Bulletin of Geography
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Title:
Applying resilience thinking to 'ordinary' cities: A theoretical inquiry

Author
  • Elizabeth Dessie - University of Gothenburg, School of Business, Economics and Law; Department of Economy and Society - Unit for Human Geography, P.O. Box 625, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden, e-mail: elizabeth.dessie@gu.se


  • Keywords
    ordinary cities, resilience thinking, urban theory, interdisciplinary research

    Abstract
    This paper assesses the prospective contribution of social-ecological resilience thinking in ad-vancing a theory of 'ordinary' cities. Building on the hierarchical divide that continues to pre-scribe analyses and representations of cities in urban studies, the paper suggests that, while ideologically contentious, the conceptual configuration of resilience thinking, promoted essen-tially through notions of uncertainty, diversity and transformation, shows considerable poten-tial for interdisciplinary research. While remaining cautious about its analytical thresholds, applying the framework as it emerges from its ecological niche suggests that resilience think-ing can, alongside other concepts, play a part in creating an enabling environment for broaden-ing the way communities, neighbourhoods and institutions that form and connect cities across the globe are understood, studied and represented in urban theory; allowing us to recognise all cities and their citizens as relatable and 'ordinary'.

    Pages:
    57-67

    DOI:
    10.2478/bog-2018-0014




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