Metrocentricity in Urban Studies

Questions and Answers

What is metrocentricity in urban studies?

Metrocentricity in urban studies refers to the tendency to focus on specific urban processes, specific cities, and specific parts of the world, with iconic cities of the North as the universal form.

How is the perspective in urban studies formed by London Metrocentricity?

The perspective in urban studies is formed by London Metrocentricity, reducing the experience of the majority of cities in the world to 'little more than variations on a universal form'.

What is 'monist knowledge' in the context of urban studies?

In the context of urban studies, 'monist knowledge' refers to knowledge claims that are accepted as the most plausible account, often with political, economic, social, and cultural roots, and are hard to challenge because they are 'hegemonic'.

What is the significance of the 'centre of calculation' in urban studies?

<p>The 'centre of calculation' in urban studies refers to the scientific cores (geographical) where knowledge is produced and distributed around the world, becoming hegemonic and shaping the perspective in urban studies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are some studies, like the one from Sassen mentioned in lecture 3, at risk of becoming quasi-hegemonic in understanding globalized urbanization?

<p>Some studies, like the one from Sassen mentioned in lecture 3, are at risk of becoming quasi-hegemonic in understanding globalized urbanization due to the tendency for certain bodies of knowledge production to emerge as dominant, leading to the acceptance of specific knowledge claims as the norm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Metrocentricity in Urban Studies

Metrocentricity refers to the tendency to focus on large, Western cities (especially London) as the central model for understanding urbanization and urban development.
This perspective is problematic as it ignores the diversity of urban experiences and contexts, especially in the Global South.

Formation of Perspective in Urban Studies

The dominance of London as a model for urban studies has led to a metrocentric perspective, which influences how urbanization is understood and studied.
This perspective is shaped by the concentration of academic institutions, research centers, and publication outlets in London, which reinforces the city's influence on urban studies.

Monist Knowledge in Urban Studies

Monist knowledge refers to the assumption that there is a single, universal truth or model that can be applied to all urban contexts, ignoring local specificities and diversity.
Monist knowledge can be problematic as it overlooks the complexity and uniqueness of urban experiences, leading to oversimplification and misrepresentation of urban realities.

Centre of Calculation in Urban Studies

The 'centre of calculation' refers to the hubs of academic knowledge production, such as universities, research centers, and think tanks, which shape the dominant narratives and frameworks in urban studies.
The centre of calculation plays a crucial role in defining what is considered 'knowledge' in urban studies, influencing what is researched, published, and disseminated.

Quasi-Hegemonic Studies in Urbanization

Some studies, like Sassen's, may become quasi-hegemonic by dominating the field of urban studies and shaping the understanding of globalized urbanization.
This can be problematic as it may lead to the marginalization of alternative perspectives, local knowledges, and diverse urban experiences, resulting in a limited and biased understanding of urbanization.