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The Case for a Southern Perspective in Planning Theory

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  • Vanessa Watson

    (Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa)

Abstract

In a number of disciplines scholars are questioning the relevance of theoretical positions which claim general and global applicability, yet are grounded in assumptions about social and material conditions which are more specific to a global North context. This paper focuses on the recent interest in urban planning theory to develop explanatory and normative theory that directly addresses the problems and issues of cities in the global South. It suggests a number of starting assumptions, very different from those that inform much current planning theory, which need to inspire the development of planning thought with a global South orientation. These are illustrated through an example of state-society conflict in an informal settlement. While there is certainly a case for developing a global south perspective in planning theory, it is also important to specify the limitations on such an exercise to avoid the trap of creating new theoretical binaries.

Suggested Citation

  • Vanessa Watson, 2014. "The Case for a Southern Perspective in Planning Theory," International Journal of E-Planning Research (IJEPR), IGI Global, vol. 3(1), pages 23-37, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:igg:jepr00:v:3:y:2014:i:1:p:23-37
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    File URL: http://services.igi-global.com/resolvedoi/resolve.aspx?doi=10.4018/ijepr.2014010103
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    Cited by:

    1. Aidan Mosselson, 2017. "‘Joburg has its own momentum’: Towards a vernacular theorisation of urban change," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 54(5), pages 1280-1296, April.
    2. Yogita Naruka, 2022. "FUTURE OF A DYING RIVER: Bureaucratic Practices and Negotiated Plans of the Yamuna Riverfront," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(5), pages 874-884, September.

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