Markets, Politics, and the Environment: An Introduction to Planning Theory

摘要

Planning scholars are familiar with the frequently repeated idea that we live in a time when neo-liberal perspectives appear to have won over the arguments of those that support planning. What neo-liberal critics of planning know much less about is perhaps the risks this retreat from planning may cause to sustainable development. Barry Goodchild' book "Markets, Politics and the Environment: An Introduction to Planning Theory" is an opportune and relevant contribution to the ongoing debate on the multiple and often contradictory meanings of planning and on the critical role urban and regional planning should play in the sustainable development process. This carefully constructed book is organized into 4 parts and 10 chapters and offers an updated and well-informed introductory account of planning theory. The book has many strengths but perhaps the book's greatest contribution is the way the author presents the different planning theories and the way planning theory is related to planning methods and planning practice.