The Short Guide to Urban Policy - (Short Guides) by Claire Edwards & Rob Imrie (Paperback)

About the Book

This text makes sense of the multiple ways in which urban issues and problems have been addressed in different places at different times. From initiatives that focus on social tensions within the urban realm, to those which seek to develop cities as economic entities, it provides an accessible discussion and critique of some key approaches.

Book Synopsis

With an ever increasing proportion of the world's population inhabiting urban environments, the management of cities remains a perennial challenge for governments and policymakers. This concise, but wide-ranging text makes sense of the multiple ways in which urban issues and problems have been defined and addressed in different places at different times. From initiatives that focus on social tensions within the urban realm, to those which seek to develop cities as economic entities, the book provides an accessible discussion and critique of some of the key approaches that have characterised urban policy across the globe. Providing case studies of urban policy actions, explanations of key concepts, and succinct chapter summaries, this unique introductory text is invaluable reading for both students and practitioners who are new to the area of urban policy, and who wish to understand and assess policy responses to the challenges posed by urban living and lifestyles.

Review Quotes

"A staunchly critical and comprehensive primer on the political logics and dynamics of dominant urban policy forms. This excellent text is accessible and engaging, historically grounded and well resourced. A must-read for students of urban studies, urban governance and urban geography." Pauline McGuirk, The University of Newcastle, Australia

"Engaging reading...chapters build on a variety of case studies, suggested recommeded readings and provide web links, which all provide useful resources for readers seeking to enter the urban policy field in the context of Western cities." Environment and Urbanization

About the Author

Claire Edwards is Lecturer in the School of Applied Social Studies, University College Cork. Her teaching and research interests focus around urban policy, critical disability studies, and sociologies of health and illness. She recently completed an EU-funded project exploring the role of patients' organisations in the governance of medical knowledge. Rob Imrie is Chair of Sociology at Goldsmiths, University of London, and the director of a European Research Council funded project (2013-16) investigating universal design, disability and the designed environment.