Theories of Urban Planning for Neo-Liberal - myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about theTheories of Urban Planning for Neo-Liberal Planning. Answer: Introduction Planning is crucial in urban development and in a country at large. Planning has often been described as rational by many planners. The rationality of a plan, however, can vary from one project to another. Theory-of-planning deals with the manner in which decisions are made and implemented. On the other hand, theory-for-planning is concerned with the role played by the process of planning in the society. Urban planning is concerned primarily with urban reforms, and it addresses various issues with the aim of sustainable development (Klosterman, p. 95). Different urban planning theories give divergent views on the planning process. This paper, therefore discusses how Rational-comprehensive Planning Theory and Neo-liberal Planning Theory explores the issue of urban planning. Rational-comprehensive Planning Theory After the Second World War, more focus was directed towards urban planning. Rational-comprehensive theory, which is grounded on a normative model (Naess, p. 511) usually holds high rationality values, particularly during various political and organizational pressures. The origin of this theory is attributed to Augustine Comte who applied hierarchical rules to solving social problems. The theory was thereby adopted by Talcott Parsons and Max Webber and became popular during 1950s and 1960s. They argued that rationalization process transforms the world into a better place and also, introduces new practices that the society could choose from based on their efficiency. Features of Rational-comprehensive Theory Rationality The concept of rationality has an enormous influence on policy analysis during the planning process (Hoch, p. 31). It focuses on achieving a methodological thinking during policy making resulting in alternative strategies which can be implemented hence enhancing planning process. The theory gives the planner different options from which the decision makers can choose and apply in societal development. The aspect of rationality is coupled with cognitive skills, aesthetic understanding, and administrative expertise. Comprehensiveness Comprehensiveness involves analyzation of all rational alternatives identified. It focuses on providing solutions that benefit all the groups in the society. The more the planner analyses the problem comprehensively, the higher the chances of getting a better plan. Neo-liberal planning The concept of neoliberalism has received much attention from analysts, planners, critics, and planners. It is linked to economic liberalization that started in the 1970s. Neoliberalism planning advocates for economic liberalization as well as policies that give the private sector powers and authority over the public sector. According to Neoliberal, the government and the state have no power over the society and economy (Thorsen, p. 188). It focuses on the acquisition of maximum capital at whichever cost- the laissez-faire capitalism. Features of neoliberalism Corporate globalization Neoliberalism encourages globalization of different corporations (Gleeson and Low, p. 269). Institutions such as the non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have a significant role to play in neoliberalism planning process. These organizations, thereby become a big contributor to social and urban development. Economic liberalization Neoliberalism focuses on making policies aimed at economic liberalization. Increasing the role played by the private sector is their key objective while shutting the public sector out. It advocates for various policies such as; privatization, deregulation, free trade, and austerity. During the 1980s and 90s, Australia embraced the neoliberal economic policies which saw the government privatize several state corporations, reduce trade protection, float the Australian dollar, and deregulate the factor markets. Similarities and differences between Rational-comprehensive and Neo-liberal theories These two approaches aimed at achieving change in urban development through effective planning, management, and sustainability policies. Though they differ in the implementation of the planning process, their goal is to achieve a sustained development in the society and the economy at large. Rational-comprehensive theory, emphasis on inductive reasoning where it focuses on providing development for the whole community. It, therefore, employs an analytic and positivist nature. On the other hand, neoliberalism focuses on a particular sector at the advantage of another. The neoliberalism does not offer an opportunity for a radical planner to plan for urban development through social change and social justice. However, the rational-comprehensive theory gives radical planners a chance to choose from various alternative options and hence make the best decision. Outward urban sprawl Urban sprawl occurs when human populations move outwards from the city or centers to low-density populated areas. The process leads to environmental issues such as disruption of the ecosystem, destroying of habitats, and biodiversity reduction (Fitriani and Harris, p. 10) As the population increases, the rate of pollution as well as sewage disposal becomes worse. Urban sprawl has become a big issue in various Metropolitan regions such as the Sydney Greater Metropolitan Region. Melbourne city also is not an exception, and in fact, it remains to be the most affected region in Australia together with Brisbane and Perth due to the high rate of population growth. Comprehensive-rational and neoliberalism planning on outward urban sprawl Sprawl typically occurs as a result of market failure. Therefore, urban sprawl is not an outcome of efficient urban development pattern (Hostovsky, p. 383). The rational-comprehensive planning formulates goals and objectives before undertaking any step. It also determines consequences that can occur and alternatives to be adopted. Therefore, this theory would encourage the government, real estate developers, and individuals to take into account various costs of social congestion, the value of open space, public costs infrastructure, and other market forces. Neoliberalism, on the other hand, aims at achieving a liberal economy. As such, it would focus on improving the market, and the economy of the population since neoliberal policies have unique, highly specific environmental impact (Castree, p. 9). Conclusion Effective and efficient planning is vital for the development of a country. Rational-comprehensive planning is the best paradigm to be adopted by planners for decision-making. It offers a rational approach to finding solutions for a problem. It takes into account various variables thereby delivering the best solution. Neoliberalism, on the other hand, advocates for economic liberalization. Application of these theories in real life situations such as in outward urban sprawl can help prevent advanced consequences and in turn, lead to urban development. References Castree, N., 2006. From neoliberalism to neoliberalisation: consolations, confusions, and necessary illusions. Environment and Planning A, 38(1), pp.1-6. Fitriani, R. and Harris, M., 2011, February. The Extent of Sprawl in the Fringe of Jakarta Metropolitan Area from The Perspective of Externalities. In 2011 Conference (55th), February (pp. 8-11). Gleeson, B. and Low, N., 2000. 1s Planning History? Urban Planning in a Changing World: The Twentieth Century Experience, p.269. Hoch, C., 2007. Making plans: Representation and intention. Planning Theory, 6(1), pp.16-35. Hostovsky, C., 2006. The paradox of the rational comprehensive model of planning: tales from waste management planning in Ontario, Canada. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 25(4), pp.382-395. Klosterman, R.E., 2003. Arguments for and against planning. Readings in planning theory, pp.86-101. Naess, P., 2001. Urban planning and sustainable development. European Planning Studies, 9(4), pp.503-524. Thorsen, D.E., 2010. The Neoliberal Challenge-What is Neoliberalism. Contemp. Readings L. Soc. Just., 2, p.188.