Doing research is an essential element of almost all programmes in planning studies as well as related areas such as geography and urban studies, from undergraduate, through Masters to doctoral programmes. While most texts on such research emphasise methodologies, this book is unique in addressing how theoretical frameworks and perspectives can inform research activity. Providing both a concise introduction to a wide range of such theories and detailed engagement with cases of planning research, it provides the reader with the insights necessary to conduct theory-informed research. It offers an understanding of how the choice of a theoretical framework has implications for the focus of the research, the precise research questions addressed and the methodologies that will be most effective in answering those questions. Through practical advice and published examples it will support planning researchers in doing stronger, more widely-applicable research, which answers key questions aboutplanning systems and their role within our societies.
Doing research is an essential element of almost all programmes in planning studies as well as related areas such as geography and urban studies, from undergraduate, through Masters to doctoral programmes. While most texts on such research emphasise methodologies, this book is unique in addressing how theoretical frameworks and perspectives can inform research activity. Providing both a concise introduction to a wide range of such theories and detailed engagement with cases of planning research, it provides the reader with the insights necessary to conduct theory-informed research. It offers an understanding of how the choice of a theoretical framework has implications for the focus of the research, the precise research questions addressed and the methodologies that will be most effective in answering those questions. Through practical advice and published examples it will support planning researchers in doing stronger, more widely-applicable research, which answers key questions aboutplanning systems and their role within our societies.
Über den Autor
Yvonne Rydin is Professor of Planning, Environment and Public Policy at the Bartlett School of Planning, University College London. She has some forty years' experience of undertaking research on planning processes across a number of policy domains but with a particular emphasis on environmental and sustainability issues. Her previous books include The Purpose of Planning (2011) and The Future of Planning (2013) as well as Governing for Sustainable Urban Development (2010). She has also been director of research degree programmes at both LSE and UCL and supervised many research students over the years.
Zusammenfassung
Comprises a unique focus on the relationship between theory and research within planning studies
Comprehensive coverage of a wide range of different theoretical perspectives
Offers concise summaries of diverse theoretical approaches relevant to planning studies
Discusses recently published empirical research from the perspective of working within a specific theoretical framework
Provides practical guidance on how to do theoretically-informed research on planning topics
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Chapter 1 Introduction: theory and planning research.- Chapter 2 Governmental Models: the hope of rational public administration.- Chapter 3 Rational Choice Perspectives: self-interest and decision-making.- Chapter 4 The Influence of New Institutionalism: how culture shapes planning.- Chapter 5 Governance Theory: stakeholders, networks and collaboration.- Chapter 6 Urban Politics: conflict, power and justice.- Chapter 7 Political Economy: crisis and response.- Chapter 8 Discourse, Knowledge and Governmentality: the influence of Foucault.- Chapter 9 Relational Approaches: assemblages, materiality and power.- Chapter 10 Conclusion: on doing planning research.
