Elusive Promises: Planning in the Contemporary World (Dislocations, 11)

Embark on a thought-provoking journey into the heart of contemporary planning with "Elusive Promises: Planning in the Contemporary World (Dislocations, 11)," a compelling exploration of how planning shapes our societies, dreams, and realities. Published by Berghahn Books in 2013, this hardcover volume challenges conventional understandings of planning as mere technical activity. Instead, it presents planning as a dynamic negotiation of possibilities within the constraints of time and space. This groundbreaking work, featuring contributions from leading anthropologists, delves deep into the promises inherent in planning initiatives and scrutinizes the processes by which these promises are made and often broken. With incisive analysis, the authors unpack the complex interplay of creativity, agency, authority, and responsibility that defines the planning landscape. They cast a critical eye on the conflicting desires that planners attempt to reconcile, and the ways in which individuals navigate the inevitable gap between projected visions and tangible outcomes. "Elusive Promises" moves beyond a simplistic good versus bad binary, offering a nuanced perspective on the spectrum of planning outcomes, ranging from grand utopian schemes to bureaucratic quagmires, and everything in between. Through comparative essays drawn from diverse global contexts (although these contexts are not specified, the nature of anthropological work would suggest a wide geographic range), the book illuminates how the future is envisioned at the outset of planning projects, and meticulously examines the actual work undertaken and its profound impact on people's lives. The book critically assesses the social and cultural implications of planning, rather than focusing purely on its technical or economic aspects. **Why This Book Matters:** * **Beyond the Blueprint:** This book transcends the technical aspects of urban planning, offering a vital anthropological lens to understand the human element and the social consequences of planning decisions. It's essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human impact of planning processes. * **Critical Perspective:** "Elusive Promises" encourages a critical examination of planning promises and their realization, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry. * **For Academics and Practitioners:** Ideal for students and researchers in anthropology, urban planning, sociology, and political science. It also provides invaluable insights for practicing planners, policymakers, and anyone involved in shaping the built environment. * **Timely and Relevant:** In an era of rapid urbanization and global challenges, "Elusive Promises" offers a timely and relevant framework for understanding the complexities of planning and its impact on our lives. Whether you are an academic exploring the theoretical underpinnings of planning, a practitioner grappling with the challenges of implementation, or simply a curious observer of the world around you, "Elusive Promises" offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the power, limitations, and enduring relevance of planning in the contemporary world. This book will change how you think about the built environment and the forces that shape it.