The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City explores the dynamics of contemporary urbanization, mutation, and resistance, offering a comprehensive analysis of global cities’ challenges.
1.1 Overview of the Handbook
The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City is a comprehensive resource edited by Suzanne Hall and Ricky Burdett, published in 2017. It examines the dynamics of contemporary cities, focusing on global urbanization, mutation, and resistance. The handbook is organized into nine key themes, addressing critical issues such as urban inequality, technological advancements, and social movements. With contributions from international scholars, it provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing 21st-century cities. This provocative handbook is designed for academics, policymakers, and students seeking insights into the complexities of urban life in a rapidly changing world.
1.2 Key Themes and Objectives
The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City delves into nine key themes, each addressing critical urban challenges. It explores global urbanization’s impact, the role of technology, and social resistance movements. The handbook aims to provide a provocative, interdisciplinary perspective on contemporary cities, offering insights into inequality, governance, and sustainability. By examining these themes, the editors seek to inspire new approaches to urban studies, fostering dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners. The handbook’s objective is to redefine urban thinking for the 21st century, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to global challenges.
Editors and Contributors
Suzanne Hall and Ricky Burdett, renowned urbanists, co-edit this handbook, bringing together diverse international scholars to explore contemporary urban challenges and innovations in global cities.
2.1 Suzanne Hall and Ricky Burdett: Background and Expertise
Suzanne Hall is an urbanist and architect with extensive experience in understanding global cities. She is the Director of the Cities Programme and an Associate Professor, focusing on urban sociology and inequality.
Ricky Burdett, a Professor of Urban Studies at the London School of Economics, specializes in urbanization, innovation, and governance. Together, they bring deep expertise in urban dynamics, shaping the handbook’s interdisciplinary approach to contemporary city challenges.
2.2 Notable Contributors and Their Research Focus Areas
The handbook features contributions from renowned scholars, including Amita Baviskar, whose work on urban cultural politics in India offers insights into social inequality and urban transformation.
Other notable contributors, such as Neil Brenner, explore themes of urbanization and global city-regions, while D. Asher Ghertner examines governance and spatial politics in contemporary cities.
Their diverse expertise enriches the handbook’s interdisciplinary approach, providing critical perspectives on urban challenges and innovations shaping the 21st-century city.
Scope and Structure of the Handbook
The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City is organized into nine key themes, covering global urbanization, mutation, and resistance, offering a comprehensive, interdisciplinary exploration of urban dynamics.
3.1 Organization of the Handbook into Nine Key Themes
The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City is structured around nine key themes, each addressing critical aspects of urban dynamics. These themes include race, gender, class, and the urban/rural divide, reexamined through contemporary lenses. The handbook also explores emerging topics such as global urbanization, technological advancements, and social resistance. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a holistic understanding of modern cities, blending traditional urban studies with innovative perspectives. By organizing the content into these focused themes, the handbook provides a coherent framework for analyzing the complexities of 21st-century urban life.
3.2 Coverage of Urbanization, Mutation, and Resistance
The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City delves into the interconnected processes of urbanization, mutation, and resistance, examining how cities adapt and transform in response to global challenges. It explores urbanization as a driving force behind economic and social change, while mutation highlights the physical and cultural shifts cities undergo. Resistance is analyzed through the lens of social movements and community responses to urban policies. By integrating these concepts, the handbook provides a nuanced understanding of how cities navigate and reshape their futures, offering insights into the complexities of urban evolution and resilience in the 21st century.
Key Themes and Topics Explored
The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City examines global urbanization, resistance, and technological advancements, exploring their interconnected impact on modern cities and societal structures.
4.1 Global Urbanization and Its Impact on Contemporary Cities
The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City delves into the transformative effects of global urbanization, examining how cities grapple with rapid population growth, economic shifts, and cultural changes. Editors Suzanne Hall and Ricky Burdett emphasize the complexities of urbanization, highlighting its role in shaping inequality, governance, and sustainability. The handbook explores how global urbanization drives mutation and resistance, reshaping the social, political, and economic landscapes of modern cities. By analyzing these dynamics, the text provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing urban areas in the 21st century.
4.2 Urban Resistance and Social Movements in the 21st Century
The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City examines urban resistance and social movements as responses to inequality and injustice in contemporary cities. These movements, often led by marginalized communities, challenge systemic injustices such as gentrification, displacement, and environmental degradation. The handbook highlights how urban resistance manifests through protests, grassroots organizing, and digital activism, reshaping power dynamics and advocating for inclusive urban policies. By focusing on these struggles, the text underscores the transformative potential of collective action in addressing the socio-political and economic challenges of modern urban life.
4.3 Technological Advancements and Their Influence on Urban Life
Technological advancements are reshaping urban life, from smart cities to digital platforms, influencing how residents interact, work, and navigate urban spaces. The handbook explores how technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and artificial intelligence are transforming urban infrastructure and governance. These innovations enhance efficiency and connectivity but also raise concerns about surveillance, inequality, and access. The text highlights the dual nature of technology as both an enabler of progress and a potential driver of exclusion, emphasizing the need for equitable and inclusive urban tech policies to ensure benefits are shared by all.
Target Audience
Academics, researchers, policymakers, and students in urban studies, sociology, and geography benefit from this comprehensive resource, offering insights into 21st-century urban dynamics and challenges.
5.1 Academics and Researchers in Urban Studies
Academics and researchers in urban studies will find this handbook indispensable, offering a comprehensive exploration of 21st-century urban dynamics. It provides cutting-edge insights into global urbanization, mutation, and resistance, supported by interdisciplinary research. The handbook’s focus on emerging urban conditions and critical perspectives makes it a valuable resource for scholars seeking to understand contemporary city challenges. Contributors from diverse academic backgrounds ensure a rich, multifaceted analysis, making it essential for advancing urban studies research and education. Its detailed examination of urban theories and practices supports academic inquiry and informs innovative approaches to urban scholarship.
5.2 Policymakers and Urban Planners
Policymakers and urban planners will benefit greatly from this handbook, as it provides critical insights into the complexities of 21st-century urbanization. The text offers practical strategies for addressing urban challenges, such as inequality, sustainability, and technological integration. By focusing on global trends and local responses, it equips professionals with evidence-based approaches to create inclusive and resilient cities. The handbook’s emphasis on interdisciplinary perspectives ensures that policymakers can develop holistic solutions to contemporary urban issues, making it an essential tool for shaping the future of urban development and governance. Its accessible format, including PDF, supports easy reference for busy professionals.
5.3 Students of Sociology, Geography, and Related Fields
Students of sociology, geography, and related disciplines will find The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City an invaluable resource for understanding urban dynamics. The handbook provides a comprehensive exploration of global urbanization, inequality, and technological advancements, offering students a deep understanding of contemporary urban challenges. Its interdisciplinary approach bridges theory and practice, making it an essential text for coursework and research. Available in accessible formats like PDF, the handbook supports student learning by offering insights into the complexities of modern cities, equipping them with the knowledge needed to analyze and address urban issues critically.
Reception and Impact
The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City has received critical acclaim for its comprehensive insights, influencing urban studies, policy, and educational curricula globally.
6.1 Academic Reviews and Critical Reception
The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City has garnered widespread acclaim for its insightful exploration of urban dynamics. Scholars praise its interdisciplinary approach, which bridges sociology, geography, and urban studies. The handbook is lauded for its comprehensive analysis of global urbanization, mutation, and resistance, offering fresh perspectives on contemporary city challenges. Its organization into nine key themes has been particularly commended for providing a structured yet innovative framework for understanding urban complexities. Reviewers highlight its accessibility to both advanced researchers and students, making it a seminal resource in the field of urban studies and policy-making. Its influence continues to grow as a benchmark in academic literature.
6.2 Influence on Urban Policy and Practice
The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City has significantly influenced urban policy and practice, offering actionable insights for policymakers and planners. Its emphasis on global urbanization, mutation, and resistance provides frameworks for addressing contemporary challenges like inequality and sustainability. The handbook’s interdisciplinary approach has informed strategies for inclusive urban development, while its focus on technological advancements and social movements has shaped innovative policy solutions. As a benchmark for urban studies, it continues to inspire evidence-based practices, guiding professionals in creating resilient and equitable cities worldwide. Its impact is evident in its adoption by urban planners and its role in fostering collaborative approaches to city governance.
Availability and Access
The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City is available in print, ePUB, and PDF formats, accessible via SAGE Publications’ website for purchase and download.
7.1 Formats: Print, ePUB, and PDF
The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City is available in multiple formats to cater to diverse preferences and accessibility needs. The print edition offers a traditional reading experience, ideal for researchers and libraries. Additionally, the handbook is accessible in ePUB and PDF formats, ensuring compatibility across digital platforms. The ePUB version is mobile-friendly, making it convenient for readers to access the content on smartphones and tablets. The PDF format provides a stable and universal option, suitable for academic use and citation purposes. Both digital formats are available for purchase and download directly from SAGE Publications’ official website.
7.2 Purchasing Options and Digital Platforms
The SAGE Handbook of the 21st Century City can be purchased directly from SAGE Publications’ official website in print, ePUB, and PDF formats. The PDF version is also available for download through digital platforms like Amazon Kindle, Google Books, and major eBook retailers. Additionally, the handbook is accessible via academic databases and institutional libraries, ensuring widespread availability. Purchasing options include one-time downloads or subscriptions, depending on the platform. SAGE Publications also offers secure online payment options, making it easy for individuals and institutions to acquire the handbook. Its digital distribution ensures that the content remains up-to-date and accessible across multiple devices and platforms.