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City-regions reconsidered

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  • Allen J. Scott

Abstract

I seek to provide an overview of the historical and geographical emergence of city-regions and to reflect on some of the debates that have arisen in regard to the theoretical status of these phenomena. I briefly describe the growth and spread of city-regions in the world since the mid-1950s and I consider how contemporary capitalism and globalization have fostered the development of this distinctive urban form. The internal organization of city-regions is then examined, with special reference to four generic outcomes: (1) aestheticized land-use intensification; (2) gentrification; (3) social polarization and informality; and (4) postsuburban landscapes. Issues of governance and policy are scrutinized and basic dilemmas of political coordination in city-regions are described. The argument ends with an evaluative review of certain critiques of the city-region idea in the current academic literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Allen J. Scott, 2019. "City-regions reconsidered," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 51(3), pages 554-580, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:51:y:2019:i:3:p:554-580
    DOI: 10.1177/0308518X19831591
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Andrea Filippetti & Antonio Zinilli, 2023. "The innovation networks of city-regions in Europe: exclusive clubs or inclusive hubs?," Working Papers 63, Birkbeck Centre for Innovation Management Research, revised 08 Feb 2023.

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