Citation

Stratmann B. J. Dev. Soc. 2011; 27(3-4): 229-259.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0169796X1102700402

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Drawing on Simmel's view of the modern metropolis, the article provides a reflection on the present research on megacities and likewise a corrective to approaches focusing too unilaterally on risks. At the same time the emergence and advancement of megacities will be explored in the context of the current processes of urbanization, globalization, and metropolization. It will be argued that a "hazards perspective" on major cities needs to be complemented by a focus on the potential of these cities, i.e., on hope, creativity, and urban resilience. Overall, it is concluded that city size is not necessarily an obstacle to sustainability.