Ordinary Cities

Between Modernity and Development

Nonfiction, Art & Architecture, Architecture, Planning, Science & Nature, Science, Earth Sciences, Geography, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Human Geography
Cover of the book Ordinary Cities by Jennifer Robinson, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jennifer Robinson ISBN: 9781134406944
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 4, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Jennifer Robinson
ISBN: 9781134406944
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 4, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

With the urbanization of the world's population proceeding apace and the equally rapid urbanization of poverty, urban theory has an urgent challenge to meet if it is to remain relevant to the majority of cities and their populations, many of which are outside the West.

This groundbreaking book establishes a new framework for urban development. It makes the argument that all cities are best understood as ‘ordinary’, and crosses the longstanding divide in urban scholarship and urban policy between Western and other cities (especially those labelled ‘Third World’). It considers the two framing axes of urban modernity and development, and argues that if cities are to be imagined in equitable and creative ways, urban theory must overcome these axes with their Western bias and that resources must become at least as cosmopolitan as cities themselves.

Tracking paths across previously separate literatures and debates, this innovative book - a postcolonial critique of urban studies - traces the outlines of a cosmopolitan approach to cities, drawing on evidence from Rio, Johannesburg, Lusaka and Kuala Lumpur. Key urban scholars and debates, from Simmel, Benjamin and the Chicago School to Global and World Cities theories are explored, together with anthropological and developmentalist accounts of poorer cities. Offering an alternative approach, Ordinary Cities skilfully brings together theories of urban development for students and researchers of urban studies, geography and development.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

With the urbanization of the world's population proceeding apace and the equally rapid urbanization of poverty, urban theory has an urgent challenge to meet if it is to remain relevant to the majority of cities and their populations, many of which are outside the West.

This groundbreaking book establishes a new framework for urban development. It makes the argument that all cities are best understood as ‘ordinary’, and crosses the longstanding divide in urban scholarship and urban policy between Western and other cities (especially those labelled ‘Third World’). It considers the two framing axes of urban modernity and development, and argues that if cities are to be imagined in equitable and creative ways, urban theory must overcome these axes with their Western bias and that resources must become at least as cosmopolitan as cities themselves.

Tracking paths across previously separate literatures and debates, this innovative book - a postcolonial critique of urban studies - traces the outlines of a cosmopolitan approach to cities, drawing on evidence from Rio, Johannesburg, Lusaka and Kuala Lumpur. Key urban scholars and debates, from Simmel, Benjamin and the Chicago School to Global and World Cities theories are explored, together with anthropological and developmentalist accounts of poorer cities. Offering an alternative approach, Ordinary Cities skilfully brings together theories of urban development for students and researchers of urban studies, geography and development.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Separate But Equal? by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Contested Holy Cities by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Statutory Priorities in Corporate Insolvency Law by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book U.S. Military Strategy in the Gulf (Routledge Revivals) by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Cultural Studies by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Explorations in Cognitive Neuropsychology by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Geographies of Entrepreneurship by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Regina Mingotti: Diva and Impresario at the King's Theatre, London by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Direct Action and Liberal Democracy by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Psychology and Environmental Change by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Girls, Aggression, and Intersectionality by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Routledge Handbook of Religious Laws by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Addressing Challenging Behaviors and Mental Health Issues in Early Childhood by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book A History of African-American Leadership by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book The Routledge International Handbook of Intercultural Arts Research by Jennifer Robinson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy