Theory in Planning Research

Yvonne Rydin is Professor of Planning, Environment and Public Policy at the Bartlett School of Planning, University College London. She has some forty years’ experience of undertaking research on planning processes across a number of policy domains but with a particular emphasis on environmental and sustainability issues. Her previous books include The Purpose of Planning (2011) and The Future of Planning (2013) as well as Governing for Sustainable Urban Development (2010). She has also been director of research degree programmes at both LSE and UCL and supervised many research students over the years.

Chapter 1 Introduction: theory and planning research.- Chapter 2 Governmental Models: the hope of rational public administration.- Chapter 3 Rational Choice Perspectives: self-interest and decision-making.- Chapter 4 The Influence of New Institutionalism: how culture shapes planning.- Chapter 5 Governance Theory: stakeholders, networks and collaboration.- Chapter 6 Urban Politics: conflict, power and justice.- Chapter 7 Political Economy: crisis and response.- Chapter 8 Discourse, Knowledge and Governmentality: the influence of Foucault.- Chapter 9 Relational Approaches: assemblages, materiality and power.- Chapter 10 Conclusion: on doing planning research.