Document Type : review
Authors
1
Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
2
Healthy Communities, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
10.22059/jurbangeo.2024.379614.1967
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The definition of power in urban planning and the identification of its influential dimensions has been a topic of recent interest among experts in various humanities fields. However, there is still no adequate definition for this concept, and research on its relationship with urban planning has been limited. This article aims to develop a conceptual framework based on the themes shared in articles extracted from the Web of Science database. Due to differing perspectives, there is no consensus on the theoretical understanding of power within this field or its connection to urban planning. In addition to analyzing key concepts related to the link between power and urban planning based on relevant published articles (including time-related, spatial, and conceptual distribution analyses), this article also conducts a content analysis of these texts. To achieve this, 63 articles were selected through screening titles, abstracts, and main bodies to identify frequently mentioned concepts with strong connections in power and urban planning using a text extraction method based on Hierarchical Dirichlet process modeling for topic modeling. The findings reveal that grasping roles such as formal and informal education, participation, class dynamics, space utilization, and language influence cultural benefits and knowledge discourse within city planning is crucial for understanding the concept of power as it pertains to urban development; understanding their collective interaction enables a comprehensive understanding of power dynamics within urban planning
Extended Abstract
Introduction
The concept of power in urban planning has increasingly garnered attention from scholars across various humanities disciplines. Despite its widespread usage, defining power and its influential dimensions remains challenging. Additionally, studies that directly relate power to urban planning are scarce. This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework based on commonalities found in articles extracted from the Web of Science database, highlighting the lack of theoretical consensus on power and urban planning. This paper includes a bibliometric analysis of key concepts linking power and urban planning, analyzing their temporal, spatial, and conceptual distribution, and a content analysis of the texts. Using 63 articles identified through title, abstract, and full-text screening, the study employs text extraction methods based on Hierarchical Dirichlet Process (HDP) modeling to identify related, frequent, and interconnected concepts in power and urban planning. The results underscore the importance of understanding the interplay between formal and informal education, participation, class, space, language, benefit, knowledge, and discourse in comprehending power in urban planning.
Methodology
This study employs a systematic review approach to identify the thematic dimensions of power in urban planning. Detailed and methodical categorization of statements was utilized to ensure a comprehensive study. The article selection process included articles with "power" in the title and "planning" and "city" in the abstract. The search spanned all relevant disciplines, including political science, economics, sociology, humanities, and urban planning, with no restrictions on the field of study or the academic journal. Temporal constraints were also not applied. The article search was conducted using the Web of Science database. Articles lacking scientific articles' standard structure (e.g., an abstract, conclusion, or references) were excluded. Ultimately, 63 articles met the criteria and were analyzed using the PRISMA method.
The data analysis employed bibliometric methods to understand the temporal, spatial, and conceptual characteristics of the research, and text mining to uncover key concepts linking power and urban planning. Bibliometric analysis, a recognized technique for reviewing extensive literature, combines mathematical and statistical methods to analyze books and other communication media, typically in conjunction with scientific mapping techniques to visualize the knowledge structure of a specific topic.
For text mining, tools like Vosviewer and Orange were used, with Orange being chosen for its interactive data visualization capabilities. The HDP model was employed for topic modeling, providing a probabilistic framework for explaining the connection between observed documents and underlying topics.
Results and discussion
The annual distribution of articles ranged from before 1980 to the present, showing a general upward trend, peaking with 10 articles (16%) after 2020.The initial codes included "power" (1.2%), "planning" (1.02%), "city" (0.66%), "local" (0.38%), "communities" (0.25%), "participation" (0.22%), and "social" (0.23%). These codes indicate that "planning" at the "city" level, when faced with "power," requires "social" "participation" at the "local" "community" level. Leading journals included Planning Theory (11.1%), Geojournal (8%), Habitat International (5%), Journal of Planning Education and Research (5%), and Land Use Policy (5%). The thematic analysis showed that power influences and is influenced by various fields such as "urban planning" (22%), "social" (20%), "environmental" (15%), "planning" (17%), and "land use, economics, and housing" (5%). Geographical analysis indicated a global distribution, with the highest research concentration in the USA, India, China, and some African countries. Most studies were conducted in high-income countries (57%), followed by upper-middle-income (27%), lower-middle-income (12%), and low-income countries (4%).
The HDP model identified eight main topics, including community power, urban planning, political power, space planning, participatory planning, rural empowerment, local participatory dynamics, and urban knowledge. Key findings highlighted the need for urban planners to consider power as an influential factor in executing urban decisions, shaping discourses, and engaging political actors. Schools can educate local communities about land changes driven by power dynamics and foster public participation to protect collective interests.
Conclusion
Power is omnipresent and significantly impacts urban areas, making it imperative for urban planners to address urban inequality and deprivation perpetuated by power dynamics. This study provides a systematic review and data extraction to identify key concepts and aid in analyzing the primary reasons for urban changes. The research underscores the interlinked nature of various elements influencing urban planning processes and their power connection. Eight thematic models and four clusters of interconnected concepts were identified, emphasizing the importance of spatial planning and local community development in addressing power in urban planning. Future studies should examine the specific impacts of power-related components in urban planning, such as social and economic classes, individual and collective interests, and language practices.
Funding
There is no funding support
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.
Keywords