Secondary Cities: Exploring Uneven Development in Dynamic Urban Regions of the Global North

This book explores cities and the intra-regional relational dynamics often overlooked by urban scholars,challenging common representations of urban development successes and failures. It emphasizes the subordinate status of secondary cities relative to their dominant neighbors and proposes alternative relations and development strategies that reimagine their potential.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2021
Publisher: Bristol University Press

This captivating book delves into the intricate dynamics of cities and the often overlooked intra-regional relationships, challenging prevailing notions of urban development successes and failures. Drawing upon the expertise of esteemed international scholars hailing from Europe, Australia, and North America, it explores the concept of secondary cities in urban development theory and practice, offering a forward-thinking research agenda that emphasizes concerns about uneven development. By highlighting the subordinate position of secondary cities in relation to their dominant neighbors, the book raises thought-provoking questions about regional development in the Global North. It proposes alternative relations and development strategies that reimagine the subordinate status of secondary cities, unlocking their full potential and fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.

Introduction:
The book explores cities and the intra-regional relational dynamics often overlooked by urban scholars, and it challenges common representations of urban development successes and failures. Gathering leading international scholars from Europe, Australia, and North America, it explores the secondary city concept in urban development theory and practice and advances a research agenda that highlights uneven development concerns. By emphasising the subordinate status of secondary cities relative to their dominant neighbours, the book raises new questions about regional development in the Global North. It considers alternative relations and development strategies that innovatively reimagine the subordinate status of secondary cities and showcase their full potential.

The Secondary City Concept in Urban Development Theory and Practice:
The book delves into the concept of secondary cities in urban development theory and practice, examining their historical, social, economic, and political dimensions. It explores how secondary cities have evolved as a result of globalization, urbanization, and regional disparities, and how they contribute to the broader urban landscape. The book also examines the challenges faced by secondary cities, such as economic stagnation, social exclusion, and environmental degradation, and how they can overcome these challenges to achieve sustainable development.

Uneven Development Concerns:
The book highlights the uneven development concerns that secondary cities face in the Global North. It examines how secondary cities are often marginalized and excluded from economic growth and development opportunities, and how they struggle to attract investment and create jobs. The book also explores the social and cultural implications of uneven development, such as the displacement of marginalized communities and the loss of cultural heritage.

Alternative Relations and Development Strategies:
To address the uneven development concerns faced by secondary cities, the book proposes alternative relations and development strategies. It advocates for a more inclusive and equitable approach to urban planning and development, which recognizes the unique contributions of secondary cities and promotes their full potential. The book suggests that secondary cities can leverage their strengths, such as their cultural heritage, local knowledge, and sustainable practices, to create innovative and sustainable development solutions.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of urban studies by exploring the dynamics of cities and the intra-regional relational dynamics often overlooked by urban scholars. It challenges common representations of urban development successes and failures and highlights the uneven development concerns faced by secondary cities in the Global North. By proposing alternative relations and development strategies, the book provides a roadmap for promoting inclusive and sustainable urban growth and development.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529212075