LEARNING UNIT 4
Urban Growth and Systems
4.1 INTRODUCTION
“(I)t is possible to identify several distinctive periods in the evolution of the urban system, each reflecting
changes in the rhythm of the economic, social, governance, technolog y and infrastructure systems”
(Knox & McCarthy, 2014:63).
Our focus …
Chapters 3 and 4 in the prescribed textbook use cities in the United States of America
to demonstrate the development and growth of cities and urban systems from the time
of the industrial revolution to today. However, the focus of Learning Unit 4 is on the
generic (worldwide applicable) concepts and events described in these chapters rather
than on the particulars of the USA. You are therefore advised to first read through
the chapters to obtain an overview before focusing on the themes outlined below.
4.2 LEARNING OUTCOMES AND READING
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After working through all the prescribed study material for this Learning Unit,
you should be able to understand and differentiate between:
• The three main phases of urban growth and development in recent times
• Some principles of urban growth
• Changing urban forms
• Cities in different parts of the world
, READING
• NB: Please take note that you will have to consult the recommended reading
material to be able to complete this module successfully. The information
contained in the Study Guide alone will not be sufficient to pass the examination
for this module.
• For further enrichment you can also read: Pacione, M. 2009. Urban Geography.
London and New York: Routledge. (Chapters 4, 5 and 6).
• You can also do further searches on the internet to enrich your knowledge.
4.3 LEARNING CONTENT
Learning Unit 4 focuses on four main themes that are used to describe and explain
urban growth and the development of urban systems, particularly over the past two
centuries. We begin by highlighting three main phases of urban growth and
development (4.3.1). This is followed by a brief discussion of some principles on the
basis of which urban growth can be explained (4.3.2).
4.3.1 Three recent phases of urban growth and development
Knox and McCarthy (2014: 63) differentiate between five distinctive periods related
to the history of the USA that resulted in the contemporary urban system in that
country. For the purpose of this module, these five periods have been condensed
into three: (1) Urbanisation during the industrial revolution, (2) the modern city;
and (3) the postmodern-global city.
• Urbanisation and the industrial revolution
The industrial revolution started in the mid-1700s and was, at that time, the
largest leap forward for society after the agricultural revolution some 9000 years
before. The industrial revolution was a period of mechanical breakthrough and
is associated with the development of power plants, the steam engine and the
mechanisation of industry in factories. The new industrial economies needed
physical infrastructure for factories, warehouses, stores, offices, transport networks,
large labour pools and consumer markets and that stimulated the growth of cities.
ACTIVITY
(1) Provide your views about the meaning of the term “the industrial revolution”
and explain how this event influenced urbanisation by, amongst others,
referring to …
• The impact that industrialisation had and is still having on world urban
population growth
• The urbanisation-industrialisation process
• The spread of industrialisation and industrial cities in Europe
Urban Growth and Systems
4.1 INTRODUCTION
“(I)t is possible to identify several distinctive periods in the evolution of the urban system, each reflecting
changes in the rhythm of the economic, social, governance, technolog y and infrastructure systems”
(Knox & McCarthy, 2014:63).
Our focus …
Chapters 3 and 4 in the prescribed textbook use cities in the United States of America
to demonstrate the development and growth of cities and urban systems from the time
of the industrial revolution to today. However, the focus of Learning Unit 4 is on the
generic (worldwide applicable) concepts and events described in these chapters rather
than on the particulars of the USA. You are therefore advised to first read through
the chapters to obtain an overview before focusing on the themes outlined below.
4.2 LEARNING OUTCOMES AND READING
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After working through all the prescribed study material for this Learning Unit,
you should be able to understand and differentiate between:
• The three main phases of urban growth and development in recent times
• Some principles of urban growth
• Changing urban forms
• Cities in different parts of the world
, READING
• NB: Please take note that you will have to consult the recommended reading
material to be able to complete this module successfully. The information
contained in the Study Guide alone will not be sufficient to pass the examination
for this module.
• For further enrichment you can also read: Pacione, M. 2009. Urban Geography.
London and New York: Routledge. (Chapters 4, 5 and 6).
• You can also do further searches on the internet to enrich your knowledge.
4.3 LEARNING CONTENT
Learning Unit 4 focuses on four main themes that are used to describe and explain
urban growth and the development of urban systems, particularly over the past two
centuries. We begin by highlighting three main phases of urban growth and
development (4.3.1). This is followed by a brief discussion of some principles on the
basis of which urban growth can be explained (4.3.2).
4.3.1 Three recent phases of urban growth and development
Knox and McCarthy (2014: 63) differentiate between five distinctive periods related
to the history of the USA that resulted in the contemporary urban system in that
country. For the purpose of this module, these five periods have been condensed
into three: (1) Urbanisation during the industrial revolution, (2) the modern city;
and (3) the postmodern-global city.
• Urbanisation and the industrial revolution
The industrial revolution started in the mid-1700s and was, at that time, the
largest leap forward for society after the agricultural revolution some 9000 years
before. The industrial revolution was a period of mechanical breakthrough and
is associated with the development of power plants, the steam engine and the
mechanisation of industry in factories. The new industrial economies needed
physical infrastructure for factories, warehouses, stores, offices, transport networks,
large labour pools and consumer markets and that stimulated the growth of cities.
ACTIVITY
(1) Provide your views about the meaning of the term “the industrial revolution”
and explain how this event influenced urbanisation by, amongst others,
referring to …
• The impact that industrialisation had and is still having on world urban
population growth
• The urbanisation-industrialisation process
• The spread of industrialisation and industrial cities in Europe
