The City as a Growth Machine: Toward a Political Economy of Place 1

In this selection Molotch outlines his theory of community growth and development, later known as Growth Machine Theory. He describes a community structure where local elites use their combined power to promote growth for personal profit. Molotch is critical of these local elites and their disregard for the common good. He concludes with a brief discussion of the “countercoalition” or in current terms, the “anti-growth movement.”