Urban Geography 4th Edition is your essential companion for understanding the complex world of cities and metropolitan areas. Whether you're a student of urban studies, sociology, or political science, this comprehensive textbook provides the perfect foundation for exploring how cities develop, function, and evolve across different regions of the world.
What makes this 4th edition truly special is its integration of cutting-edge research with practical, real-world applications. Authors David H. Kaplan and Steven R. Holloway have meticulously updated the content to reflect the latest urban challenges and developments. Two entirely new chapters focus on urban transportation and the critical relationship between cities and the environment, including climate change and natural disasters. You'll also find fresh insights on how COVID-19 and other health aspects are reshaping urban life, complete with updated data and contemporary examples.
Each of the 16 chapters is carefully structured to support your learning journey. You'll benefit from introductory road maps that set the stage for each topic, clear learning objectives that help you focus on key concepts, definitions of essential terms, thought-provoking discussion questions, and research topics that encourage deeper exploration. The book examines both traditional models of urban social space and emerging factors that shape our cities today, from globalization to postmodern influences.
One of the greatest strengths of this textbook is its balanced approach, examining cities in both developed and less developed regions. You'll explore urbanization processes, industrial urbanization, housing market discrimination, gentrification patterns, metropolitan governance structures, and urban planning approaches. The discussion on urban immigration and economic restructuring provides valuable insights into how globalization is reshaping urban landscapes worldwide. This isn't just theory—it's practical knowledge that will help you understand and engage with the urban environment around you.
