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 Revival: Economic Methods & the Effectiveness of Production (1971) by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Introducing International Relations by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Mentoring Students and Young People by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book A Fair Day’s Wage for a Fair Day’s Work? by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Urbanization with Chinese Characteristics: The Hukou System and Migration by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book The Awakening Giant (Routledge Revivals) by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Tackling Bullying in Your School by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Handbook of Family Business and Family Business Consultation by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Parliamentary Reform 1785-1928 by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Sounding the Dance, Moving the Music by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Engaged Language Policy and Practices by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book The Unseen Power by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book The Strategic Use of Stories in Organizational Communication and Learning by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Exchange Rate Policies in Emerging Asian Countries by Jennifer Robinson
Cover of the book Lev Vygotsky:Revoltn Scientist 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