This paper seeks to test the validity of the radical analysis framework of neoliberalization, heavily influenced by urban studies in the Anglo-American world, by transposing it to analyse French urban policies. It claims that French cities, which were thought to be protected by a Weberian model of bureaucracy, are not immune to this neoliberalization of public policies (Le Galès, 2003). But it also claims that this occurs through mechanisms other than the influence of revanchist coalitions on urban governance (Smith, 1996). Favouring a Foulcauldian approach, the microphysics of diffuse power, we have tried to link the neo-Marxist metacritique of domination to an empirical micro-analysis of the mechanisms present in the pluralist city. Using empirical analyses carried out in various French cities, this article provides a critical view of contemporary urban transport planning and sustainable mobility policies. These policies implemented in the name of promoting “the quality of life” and sustainable mobility contribute to a disturbing specialization in treating spaces. They focus on urban operations and tools (that often come with key adjectives such as green, citizen, eco-responsible, clean, civilized, soft, or calm) that specialize and classify spaces, flows, uses and users in the city. A social system (social roles and practices) and a spatial system (locations, types and quality of space) combine to suggest who can move about in the different areas of the planned ideal city. Depoliticization, naturalization and the emphasis placed on individual responsibility are strong, coordinated trends in framing these contemporary public problems as well as major processes that structurally elude their socio-spatial aspects, restrict the space for controversy and discredit groups that nonetheless object to the application of these public policies. Legitimized by “noble causes” such as preserving an acceptable environment for future generations as well as people’s safety and health, these policies impose “the right way” of behaving in the post-Fordist neo-hygienist city.
