‘The New Urban Sociology’ by Gottdierner, Hutchison, & Ryan consists of extensive research on the on the role of government in urban development. I found the book to be very informative and intriguing as it elaborated on the various key factors to be considered. The information provided in the book is relevant and provides an insight into the depth of subject which is the role of the government in urban development.
Despite the numerous works of literature done on the topic, ‘The New Urban Sociology’ is, in my opinion, one of the most reflective, analytical, and critical references amongst the others. The authors portray an excellent comprehension of the pertinent issue and provide compelling evidence that asserts the importance of government involvement in the urban development and the appropriate ways of participation. Gottdiener, Hutchison, & Ryan (2015), explains that, “Everyday existence within the city altered the way people thought and acted compared to traditional society.” Consequently, the source has helped me to acquire a vast understanding of sociology and urban development.
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The authors explain that the development of urban areas requires proper planning as numerous factors may be implicated in the case of poor planning. I strongly agree with the book because planning is a crucial stage of any productive process not excluding urban development (Gottdiener, Hutchison, & Ryan, 2015). The book also states that, “Developers, for example, must negotiate with government planners and politicians, citizen groups voice their concerns in public forums, and special interests such as utility companies or religious organizations also interject their stakes and culturally defined symbolic visions in metropolitan growth,” (Gottdiener, Hutchison, & Ryan, 2015). The government is mandated to thoroughly plan for the projects it intends to materialize (Collier & Venables, 2017). This will assist in ensuring that sufficient resources are allocated to the various development projects.
Additionally, proper planning will enable the government to identify the possible risks involved with the specific development plans. I concur with the book in that planning provides the government with adequate time to implement cost-effective and efficient strategies. Gottdiener, Hutchison, & Ryan (2015), assert that, “When the program model employed is one of established effectiveness, a demonstration that the program is well implemented can be presumptive evidence that the expected outcomes are produced as well.” The government has a vital role in the development of metropolitan cities through both financial and administrative resources (Salet & De Vries, 2018).
Since development involves the creation of growth opportunities and profitable changes which have economic benefits to the society. The government is faced with the responsibility of ensuring that the members of a community are provided with all social amenities such as water, electricity, health facilities, and an efficient transport and communication system. Gottdiener, Hutchison, & Ryan (2015), elaborate that the government is also responsible for ensuring that there is an active administration system in urban centers to maintain the security of properties and lives of individuals.
It would be futile if a fully developed metropolitan city has a significant rate of crime in its midst as business would be discouraged. My conception of the participation of the central government in the development process of the numerous urban cities in the country coincides with the book ‘The Urban Sociology’ in every aspect. Indeed, the book has surpassed my expectations as it provides adequate knowledge on the development of metropolitan cities and the contribution of the government.
My expectations for the book were undoubtedly exceeded as I was able to acquire enough information on the relevant topic. The source has extensively discussed the various roles of the government in the development of cities, and the provided a final process in which strategies is implemented. The book allowed me to put into perspective various towns as examples while trying to identify the various government projects initiated in the urban centers. ‘The New Urban Sociology’ provides numerous monumental points that both the government and the people might derive helpful data from. I now fully comprehend the intricate processes involved in encouraging the development of the country in the current prevailing market conditions. I really enjoyed reading the book and the practical examples included and thus would recommend others interested in the subject to use it.
References
Collier, P., & Venables, A. J. (2017). Urbanization in developing economies: the assessment. Oxford Review of Economic Policy , 33 (3), 355-372. doi:10.1093/oxrep/grx035
Gottdiener, M., Hutchison, R., & Ryan, M. T. (2015). The New Urban Sociology (5th ed.). Westview Press.
Salet, W., & De Vries, J. (2018). Contextualisation of policy and law in sustainable urban development. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management , 1-16. doi:10.1080/09640568.2017.1418304
