Contesting urban discourse and development: dynamics of socio-spatial struggles in Durban, South Africa
(2018) SGED10 20181Department of Human Geography
- Abstract
- In recent years, the role of cities in economic and social development have been increasingly recognised in national and international policy planning. The aim of this research paper is to examine the dynamics of socio-spatial struggles in Durban, South Africa, and how these issues are interconnected with the discourses of urban development in the city. First, critical discourse analysis is used to analyse the interaction between the different discourses and the social contexts. Second, urban political reality in Durban is examined within the framework of critical urban theory, which examines the role of different power relations which are shaping the urban space. In Durban, urban discourse is reflecting the developmentalist urban... (More)
- In recent years, the role of cities in economic and social development have been increasingly recognised in national and international policy planning. The aim of this research paper is to examine the dynamics of socio-spatial struggles in Durban, South Africa, and how these issues are interconnected with the discourses of urban development in the city. First, critical discourse analysis is used to analyse the interaction between the different discourses and the social contexts. Second, urban political reality in Durban is examined within the framework of critical urban theory, which examines the role of different power relations which are shaping the urban space. In Durban, urban discourse is reflecting the developmentalist urban discourse of the country, promoting democracy and inclusiveness. However, in practice the local government is strongly influenced by market-oriented global urban practices. Current urban developments in the city are contested through discourses and practices of social movement Abahlali, which are drawing on the everyday experiences of the poor people in the city. They are continuing the democratization struggle in the country, demanding people- centered and inclusive urban development. In Durban, the struggle over housing is part of a greater struggle of being able to create new discourses and practices to manage urban space in the city. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/8944968
- author
- Niemi, Reea LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- SGED10 20181
- year
- 2018
- type
- M2 - Bachelor Degree
- subject
- keywords
- South Africa, urban development, Durban, critical discourse analysis, social struggle
- language
- English
- id
- 8944968
- date added to LUP
- 2020-02-07 14:42:36
- date last changed
- 2020-02-14 11:40:07
@misc{8944968,
abstract = {{In recent years, the role of cities in economic and social development have been increasingly recognised in national and international policy planning. The aim of this research paper is to examine the dynamics of socio-spatial struggles in Durban, South Africa, and how these issues are interconnected with the discourses of urban development in the city. First, critical discourse analysis is used to analyse the interaction between the different discourses and the social contexts. Second, urban political reality in Durban is examined within the framework of critical urban theory, which examines the role of different power relations which are shaping the urban space. In Durban, urban discourse is reflecting the developmentalist urban discourse of the country, promoting democracy and inclusiveness. However, in practice the local government is strongly influenced by market-oriented global urban practices. Current urban developments in the city are contested through discourses and practices of social movement Abahlali, which are drawing on the everyday experiences of the poor people in the city. They are continuing the democratization struggle in the country, demanding people- centered and inclusive urban development. In Durban, the struggle over housing is part of a greater struggle of being able to create new discourses and practices to manage urban space in the city.}},
author = {{Niemi, Reea}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Contesting urban discourse and development: dynamics of socio-spatial struggles in Durban, South Africa}},
year = {{2018}},
}