ABSTRACT

In chapter three, we highlighted the fundamental link between processes of economic change and processes of urban development. Indeed, many regard economic forces as the dominant influence on urban change (Pacione 2009: 4). Equally, cities have played an important role in the history of economic development and can be viewed as ‘crucibles of economic change’ (Short 1996: 13). Economic activities are therefore important in both defining cities and in shaping the lives of people within them. Geographical research into the economies of cities has encompassed both of the core concerns of urban study identified by Berry (1964: 147) – ‘cities as systems within systems of cities’ – which were outlined in chapter two. Geographers have been concerned both with the distribution of economic activities within cities and the external economic relations of cities. However, while these twin foci have

endured in studies of the economies of cities, the approaches employed by geographers have shifted considerably. We begin by providing a brief overview of key approaches, particularly considering the important insights provided by structuralist approaches. We then examine key trends resulting from recent global economic changes and the impact this has had on relations between cities within a global network of cities. This is followed by exploration of the some of the key changes to economic activities within cities around the world which have happened as a result of these broader economic shifts.