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Between abstraction and complexity

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  • David Wachsmuth
  • David J. Madden
  • Neil Brenner

Abstract

Theoretical, conceptual and methodological choices must be framed in relation to concrete explanatory and interpretive dilemmas, not ontological foundations. In engaging with the limits and possibilities of recent assemblage-based work in urban studies, our concern has been to help forge new analytical tools for deciphering emerging patterns of planetary urbanization, which have unsettled the coherence and viability of earlier intellectual frameworks. As urbanization is changing, so too must urban theory change, and it must do so in ways that provide critical purchase on emergent sociospatial divisions, conflicts, struggles and transformations at all spatial scales and across divergent places and territories. To this end, responding to several strands of the debate on assemblage urbanism that has unfolded in previous issues of City , here we clarify our meta-theoretical stance, address several methodological questions and reiterate our arguments regarding the importance of a reinvigorated geopolitical economy of planetary urbanization. We insist on the importance of abstraction as a necessary methodological moment in any reflexive approach to urban knowledge formation.

Suggested Citation

  • David Wachsmuth & David J. Madden & Neil Brenner, 2011. "Between abstraction and complexity," City, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(6), pages 740-750, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:cityxx:v:15:y:2011:i:6:p:740-750
    DOI: 10.1080/13604813.2011.632903
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    Cited by:

    1. Sebastian Ureta, 2014. "The Shelter that Wasn’t There: On the Politics of Co-ordinating Multiple Urban Assemblages in Santiago, Chile," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 51(2), pages 231-246, February.
    2. Allen J. Scott & Michael Storper, 2015. "The Nature of Cities: The Scope and Limits of Urban Theory," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(1), pages 1-15, January.
    3. Emine Yetiskul & Sule Demirel, 2018. "Assembling gentrification in Istanbul: The Cihangir neighbourhood of BeyoÄŸlu," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 55(15), pages 3336-3352, November.

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