New Theoretical Interpretations of Urban Politics Cover Image

Nowe interpretacje teoretyczne polityki miejskiej
New Theoretical Interpretations of Urban Politics

Author(s): Paweł Swianiewicz
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: EUROREG - Uniwersytet Warszawski, Regional Studies Association - Sekcja Polska
Keywords: urban politics; New Public Management; New Political Culture theory by T.N. Clark; local governance theory by Peter John

Summary/Abstract: For some time local governments and urban politics have been undergoing significant changes related to the change of the traditional welfare state model. These changes have concerned economic, political and management dimensions. While describing these processes numerous authors refer to the notion of New Public Management. This article discusses three theories which have been created to help in interpretation of on-going processes. New Political Culture theory by T.N. Clark stresses value and economic changes and underlines their implications for changes in styles of local politics. Local governance theory developed mostly by Peter John concentrates on shape of local government institutions. Another T.N. Clark’s theory of the “city as an entertainment machine” focuses on evolving mechanisms of local economic development and their impact on policies adopted by urban governments. The paper formulates questions and initial hypothesis about applicability of these concepts to Polish environment.

  • Issue Year: 6/2005
  • Issue No: 22
  • Page Range: 5-25
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Polish