Synopses & Reviews
Over the last two decades great strides have been made in urban theory. Drawing on works in geography, planning, design, history, sociology, political science, and cultural studies, the new Third Edition of Readings in Urban Theory presents the most recent developments in the field while also reflecting its highly interdisciplinary nature. These carefully selected readings -- approximately three quarters new for this edition -- address issues that represent the fundamental underpinnings of urban theory. These include the changing urban and regional system, the social impacts of these policies, the effects of publicly sponsored redevelopment programs, cultural meanings of spatial relations, and many others. In addition, this new edition expands its focus of urban planning issues beyond the U.S. and U.K. to reflect a more globalized world. Collectively, these readings from leading scholars offer both a realistic depiction of the new urban and regional environment and innovative approaches to explaining its underlying causes, meanings, and consequences. By presenting an incisive overview and analysis of the most current theories behind urban and regional development, the Third Edition of Readings in Urban Theory goes a long way in helping us make sense of today's world.
Review
"A comprehensive, readable and energetic collection. Students will benefit from the range of critical ideas and arguments from contemporary urban social sciences and planning, and its excellent coverage of the vital debates."
—Neil Smith, The CUNY Graduate Center
"The third edition of Readings in Urban Theory renews this classic text with key contemporary readings on urban and regional change. Through the lens of cities and urban connections in a globalised world, the book encompasses the themes of economic transformation, social and cultural diversity, and changing urban design in ways that will be of immediate and lasting significance to students, researchers and policy makers alike."
—Gary Bridge, University of Bristol
"This collection brings together one of the most comprehensive sets of theoretically oriented readings on urban topics and issues that can be used systematically or selectively by instructors and researchers alike."
—Xiangming Chen, Trinity College, USA
Synopsis
Updated with a majority of new readings, the Third Edition of
Readings in Urban Theory expands its focus to present the most recent developments in urban and regional theories and policies in a globalized world.
- Around 75% of the readings included are new for the third edition
- Unifies readings by an orientation toward political economy and normative themes of social justice
- Expands the focus on international planning, including globalization and theories of development
- Addresses the full range of core urban theory so as to remain the primary text in courses
About the Author
Susan S. Fainstein is a Professor in the Urban Planning Program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Her books include
The City Builders (second edition, 2001), and
Restructuring the City (1986). Fainstein is also a recipient of the Distinguished Educator Award of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) for lifetime career achievement.
Scott Campbell is an Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Doctoral Program Director in the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Michigan. He is a co-author of The Rise of the Gunbelt: The Military Remapping of Industrial America. His article on sustainable development won an award for best article of the year from the Journal of the American Planning Association.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments.
1 Introduction: Theories of Urban Development and Their Implications for Policy and Planning (Susan S. Fainstein and Scott Campbell).
Part I The Changing Urban and Regional System.
2 Regulation Theory, Post-Fordism and Urban Politics (Joe Painter).
3 Neoliberalization and Democracy (Mark Purcell).
4 The Global City: Strategic Site/New Frontier (Saskia Sassen).
5 The Fifth Migration (Robert Fishman).
6 Urban 'Regions' and Their Governance (Patsy Healey).
Part II Diversity: Race, Gender, Ethnicity and the Partitioning of Space.
7 Cities and Diversity: Should we want it? Can we plan for it? (Susan S. Fainstein).
8 Conceptualizing Recognition in Planning (Ruth Fincher and Kurt Iveson).
9 Women's Aspirations and the Home: Episodes in American Feminist Reform (Gwendolyn Wright).
10 Is Multiculturalism Bad for Women? (Susan Moller Okin).
11 Cities in Quarters (Peter Marcuse).
12 Social Exclusion and Opportunity Structures in European Cities and Neighbourhoods (Alan Murie and Sako Musterd).
Part III Redevelopment and Urban Transformation.
13 Partnership and the Pursuit of the Private City (Gregory D. Squires).
14 Gentrification, the Frontier, and the Restructuring of Urban Space (Neil Smith).
15 Promoting Tourism in US Cities (Dennis R. Judd).
Part IV Culture, Design, and Urban Form Introduction.
16 The End(s) of Urban Design (Michael Sorkin).
17 Changing Landscapes of Power: Opulence and the Urge for Authenticity (Sharon Zukin).
18 The 'Bilbao Effect' (Donald McNeill).
19 Connecting New Urbanism and American Planning: An Historical Interpretation (Emily Talen).
20 Blurring the Boundaries: Public Space and Private Life (Margaret Crawford).
Part V Cities and Space in a Globalized World.
21 Uneven Geographical Developments and Universal Rights (David Harvey).
22 Transnationalism and Citizenship (Michael Peter Smith).
23 Reflections on Place and Place-Making in the Cities of China (John Friedmann).
24 The Economic Theory of the Developmental State (Ha-Joon Chang).
25 The Prevalence of Slums (Mike Davis).
26 Dangerous Spaces of Citizenship: Gang Talk, Rights Talk and Rule of Law in Brazil (James Holston).
Credit and Source Information.
Index.