Citation:
Kaiman, J. (2015, February 15). China's urban sprawl raises key question: can it feed its people? The Guardian. Retrieved from https://global-factiva-com.srv-proxy2.library.tamu.edu/redir/default.aspx?P=sa&an=GRDN000020150216eb2g0005l&cat=a&ep=ASE
Summary:
In hopes of building the new Beijing airport, the Chinese government is relocating villages inhabitants, destroying the priorly abundant farms and thus affecting China’s food supply system. Jonathan Kaiman reports on the correlation between urban growth and food security; through an analysis of Nanzhuang - a rural village to be similarly destroyed. Food scarcity is affected by the lack of resources, increased consumers, and the increased demand for unconventional markets due to foreign influence. These issues with food safety are reoccurring in China. Another attempt -disliked by the villagers due to their self-sufficient lifestyle- was to increase imports
Analysis:
The goal of this news article is to showcase the link between uncontrolled urbanization and China's food security problem. Jonathan Kaiman does this with ease because of a well-organized layout and structure. The article's first line establishes a distinct thesis, which is successfully explored throughout the news story. Kaiman then goes on to describe Nanzhuang, the village he is using as a case study for his research.
Kaiman is an initially trustworthy source since he presents two sides of the story, addressing both the villagers' and the government's concerns about the growing urbanization. For instance, the decreasing farms worry the villagers as they get forced towards a situation unknown to them: “Nanzhuang’s villagers wonder what they'll do once their fields are under tarmac”. The Beijing government is similarly concerned about “how it will keep its citizenry fed”. This balance he develops on both sides of the argument allows the reader to view a somewhat bigger picture, one not limited to one side only.
Ironically, Kaiman places the concerns of the government on the citizens below the announcement of the Beijing airport project, which raises the questions on the sincerity of their concerns. The Beijing airport project – according to Kaiman - is profusely indorsed by the local government, even though this project is likely to dislocate many villagers and farmers, in part significantly contributing to the lingering issue of food safety. Here this subtle placement of information undermines the credibility of one side of the argument, favoring the villagers side.
He then provides the attempts of the government and the logical reasons for their failures in a clear and concise manner. He pays amends to the food safety problem that frequently occur in the country, and how they often result from disparity due to governmental policies that do not align with demand. While this can be him understanding the fear and concern of the government, it mainly serves to discredit them further, by putting the blame on their not well-thought-out policies. Furthermore, he describes the food safety problems as “tragic” and “gut-wrenching”, and states that “at least six children” were killed during the melamine-laced milk incident (a food safety problem that arose from a badly organized plan to industrialize dairy production). Kaiman focuses on inducing an emotional reaction in the viewer, which can highlight the severity of the issue, but could also insinuate his biases towards the villagers – they are the poor innocent affected by the bad policies of the government.
He then ends the article with the insight of two villagers, Zhang Zhunzhi; an old farmer who is exhausted and anxious about the move, and Zhang Zhubao, a young 15-year-old, who mentioned the two sides of the argument on the airport – “It’s good is that the country is developing. But my family has lived here for decades. Why would we want that to change?” Ending with the thoughts of a young child rather than his own, giving him certain credibility and evoking pathos to the issue.
At the same time, the juxtaposition between the two interviewee is interesting; the child was more open to the change, understanding of the possible benefit, while the older women was more anxious to the idea. This could be due to the different attachment they feel towards Beijing, the old women has worked and lived there for decades, thus change is likely unwelcomed. It could also be due to the generational difference in the perception of change; younger generations tend to be more open to it.
The piece is well-written, as one would expect from a renowned publisher like 'The Guardian.' Furthermore, the author is based in Beijing and appears to be at ease with and knowledgeable about the inhabitants – an author not based there would likely receive less credibility on the information as they are not familiar with the common public and culture.
The news story is available online and is written in English with little technical terminology. As a result, it is open to a wide public but likely not to Beijing residents, which makes sense considering the citizens are likely already familiar with all this information. Kaiman may be attempting to make knowledge on this topic available to an international audience through this publication and collaboration with a well-known publisher.
Kaiman, J. (2015, February 15). China's urban sprawl raises key question: can it feed its people? The Guardian. Retrieved from https://global-factiva-com.srv-proxy2.library.tamu.edu/redir/default.aspx?P=sa&an=GRDN000020150216eb2g0005l&cat=a&ep=ASE
Summary:
In hopes of building the new Beijing airport, the Chinese government is relocating villages inhabitants, destroying the priorly abundant farms and thus affecting China’s food supply system. Jonathan Kaiman reports on the correlation between urban growth and food security; through an analysis of Nanzhuang - a rural village to be similarly destroyed. Food scarcity is affected by the lack of resources, increased consumers, and the increased demand for unconventional markets due to foreign influence. These issues with food safety are reoccurring in China. Another attempt -disliked by the villagers due to their self-sufficient lifestyle- was to increase imports
Analysis:
The goal of this news article is to showcase the link between uncontrolled urbanization and China's food security problem. Jonathan Kaiman does this with ease because of a well-organized layout and structure. The article's first line establishes a distinct thesis, which is successfully explored throughout the news story. Kaiman then goes on to describe Nanzhuang, the village he is using as a case study for his research.
Kaiman is an initially trustworthy source since he presents two sides of the story, addressing both the villagers' and the government's concerns about the growing urbanization. For instance, the decreasing farms worry the villagers as they get forced towards a situation unknown to them: “Nanzhuang’s villagers wonder what they'll do once their fields are under tarmac”. The Beijing government is similarly concerned about “how it will keep its citizenry fed”. This balance he develops on both sides of the argument allows the reader to view a somewhat bigger picture, one not limited to one side only.
Ironically, Kaiman places the concerns of the government on the citizens below the announcement of the Beijing airport project, which raises the questions on the sincerity of their concerns. The Beijing airport project – according to Kaiman - is profusely indorsed by the local government, even though this project is likely to dislocate many villagers and farmers, in part significantly contributing to the lingering issue of food safety. Here this subtle placement of information undermines the credibility of one side of the argument, favoring the villagers side.
He then provides the attempts of the government and the logical reasons for their failures in a clear and concise manner. He pays amends to the food safety problem that frequently occur in the country, and how they often result from disparity due to governmental policies that do not align with demand. While this can be him understanding the fear and concern of the government, it mainly serves to discredit them further, by putting the blame on their not well-thought-out policies. Furthermore, he describes the food safety problems as “tragic” and “gut-wrenching”, and states that “at least six children” were killed during the melamine-laced milk incident (a food safety problem that arose from a badly organized plan to industrialize dairy production). Kaiman focuses on inducing an emotional reaction in the viewer, which can highlight the severity of the issue, but could also insinuate his biases towards the villagers – they are the poor innocent affected by the bad policies of the government.
He then ends the article with the insight of two villagers, Zhang Zhunzhi; an old farmer who is exhausted and anxious about the move, and Zhang Zhubao, a young 15-year-old, who mentioned the two sides of the argument on the airport – “It’s good is that the country is developing. But my family has lived here for decades. Why would we want that to change?” Ending with the thoughts of a young child rather than his own, giving him certain credibility and evoking pathos to the issue.
At the same time, the juxtaposition between the two interviewee is interesting; the child was more open to the change, understanding of the possible benefit, while the older women was more anxious to the idea. This could be due to the different attachment they feel towards Beijing, the old women has worked and lived there for decades, thus change is likely unwelcomed. It could also be due to the generational difference in the perception of change; younger generations tend to be more open to it.
The piece is well-written, as one would expect from a renowned publisher like 'The Guardian.' Furthermore, the author is based in Beijing and appears to be at ease with and knowledgeable about the inhabitants – an author not based there would likely receive less credibility on the information as they are not familiar with the common public and culture.
The news story is available online and is written in English with little technical terminology. As a result, it is open to a wide public but likely not to Beijing residents, which makes sense considering the citizens are likely already familiar with all this information. Kaiman may be attempting to make knowledge on this topic available to an international audience through this publication and collaboration with a well-known publisher.
Citation:
Jiating, W., Yu, X., Hongfu, M., & Siyuan, C. (2021). Research on the measurement of urban sprawl with a multi-factor indicator in the context of rapid urbanization in China. China City Planning Review, 30(3), 62-72.
Summary:
The scholarly article proposes a multi factor indicator method of determining the extent of urban sprawl in 69 Chinese cities from 2000 to 2014. The multi factor indicator focuses on four dimensions; economic, population, land use, and infrastructure. The article explores the factors within these dimensions and the way in which they are combined to construct this methodology. The article then explores results from multifactor indicator measurements taken from the cities – displaying them in tables and graphs. It then analyzes the results and explores the regional and temporal (time related) differences in the detected urban sprawl. The article then proposes a conclusion and policy recommendation based on the theoretical analysis developed prior.
Analysis:
This scholar article had multiple authors and was later translated and proofread by two more individuals. The great number of inputs put into the article is clear in the professionalism of it and the great amount of research and primary sources used. This adds a certain trustworthiness to the quality of information to be provided.
The title of the article gives a clear input into the topic at hand, alongside the country taken as a case study – China. The title is professional and coherent, setting the scholarly tone for a formal discussion and report, similarly it uses terms like “Urban Sprawl” and “multi-factor indicator” gearing towards an educated and less general audience.
The introduction begins by defining urban sprawl and the difference between the urban sprawl occurring in Western countries and China’s urban sprawl. It looks at many different inputs from past research to build fundamental background on the issue. The article is generally organized in a manner that benefits a clear trail of thought, understanding the fundamental knowledge that resulted in this methodology helps the reader to later easily apprehend the measurements and analysis made from the constructed indicator.
Moreover, the consequences of urban sprawl are highlighted and possible factors in play are stated. The introduction provides proper information on the topic at hand, the issues to be discussed and what to expect from the article. This concise format is consistent throughout the article.
The article makes uses of bolded subheading well, alongside the great use of figures to better display and summarize the information in the paragraphs conveniently next to them. The tables present alongside the graphs helped visualize and aid the research stated. Similarly, it placed into perspective the large input of data used in the research (that of 69 cities) which increased their credibility. Thus, appealing to logos.
Different graphs were used again when discussing the different types of indicators and their trends right next to the paragraphs discussing them. The article was thus rather data visualization heavy, in order to optimally display their results and measurements. The general layout if the article is highly convenient and professionally done.
Moreover, The scholar article was objective in its exploration of urban sprawl, while this could be due to the multiple authors, which dials down the subjectivism possible in an argument, it could also be due to the purpose behind the extract; to propose a methodology. The article is not making a claim on an argument, thus the chance of it being subjective is far less.
Jiating, W., Yu, X., Hongfu, M., & Siyuan, C. (2021). Research on the measurement of urban sprawl with a multi-factor indicator in the context of rapid urbanization in China. China City Planning Review, 30(3), 62-72.
Summary:
The scholarly article proposes a multi factor indicator method of determining the extent of urban sprawl in 69 Chinese cities from 2000 to 2014. The multi factor indicator focuses on four dimensions; economic, population, land use, and infrastructure. The article explores the factors within these dimensions and the way in which they are combined to construct this methodology. The article then explores results from multifactor indicator measurements taken from the cities – displaying them in tables and graphs. It then analyzes the results and explores the regional and temporal (time related) differences in the detected urban sprawl. The article then proposes a conclusion and policy recommendation based on the theoretical analysis developed prior.
Analysis:
This scholar article had multiple authors and was later translated and proofread by two more individuals. The great number of inputs put into the article is clear in the professionalism of it and the great amount of research and primary sources used. This adds a certain trustworthiness to the quality of information to be provided.
The title of the article gives a clear input into the topic at hand, alongside the country taken as a case study – China. The title is professional and coherent, setting the scholarly tone for a formal discussion and report, similarly it uses terms like “Urban Sprawl” and “multi-factor indicator” gearing towards an educated and less general audience.
The introduction begins by defining urban sprawl and the difference between the urban sprawl occurring in Western countries and China’s urban sprawl. It looks at many different inputs from past research to build fundamental background on the issue. The article is generally organized in a manner that benefits a clear trail of thought, understanding the fundamental knowledge that resulted in this methodology helps the reader to later easily apprehend the measurements and analysis made from the constructed indicator.
Moreover, the consequences of urban sprawl are highlighted and possible factors in play are stated. The introduction provides proper information on the topic at hand, the issues to be discussed and what to expect from the article. This concise format is consistent throughout the article.
The article makes uses of bolded subheading well, alongside the great use of figures to better display and summarize the information in the paragraphs conveniently next to them. The tables present alongside the graphs helped visualize and aid the research stated. Similarly, it placed into perspective the large input of data used in the research (that of 69 cities) which increased their credibility. Thus, appealing to logos.
Different graphs were used again when discussing the different types of indicators and their trends right next to the paragraphs discussing them. The article was thus rather data visualization heavy, in order to optimally display their results and measurements. The general layout if the article is highly convenient and professionally done.
Moreover, The scholar article was objective in its exploration of urban sprawl, while this could be due to the multiple authors, which dials down the subjectivism possible in an argument, it could also be due to the purpose behind the extract; to propose a methodology. The article is not making a claim on an argument, thus the chance of it being subjective is far less.
Citation:
Ismael, H. (2020). Urban form study: the sprawling city—review of methods of studying urban sprawl. Geojournal, 86(4), 1785-1796. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-020-10157-9
Summary:
The scholar article explores the different approaches taken by research on the topic of urban sprawl. Ismael believes that a noticeable issue in the discussion of urban sprawl is the conflict on the true definition of the term. He concludes that the complex nature of the topics comes from vast range of regions affected by sprawl outside of metropolitan, alongside the many factors, most of which are left undiscussed, in the grand argument. For the time being Ismael believes the four-dimension technique which focuses on a grand range of factors is the most complex and suitable method of measuring urban sprawl.
Analysis:
Ismael reviews methods used by other researchers to study urban sprawl. The approaches to this concept include using GIS (geographical information system), quantitative vs qualitative measures, and an approach through the notion of metropolitan areas (MAs), which he critiques as “the sprawl should be measured in rural areas”. This is one of many times were Ismael presents his own bias opinion without true evidence.
All the methods discussed were compatible in their approaches except for the “feminist critique of the sprawl accessibility”, which was abruptly mentioned. The section for this method, elaborated on the health outcomes, physical costs and lack of drainage systems, and only at the end mentioned the correlation to feminism, which was similarly abrupt concluding that urban sprawl is “designed by and for men”. In the last line of his conclusion Ismael reiterates the male-dominated ideal behind urbanization. The abrupt nature of these comments portrays them as somehow forced, or simply for show. It reduces the credibility of his input.
He later claims the most apt method developed thus far is that of the four-dimension technique, which aligns with his prior claim that urban sprawl is a complex concept with many factors and dimensions. This indicates a consistency in his thought process, but it may similarly indicate that he had always concluded this method to be the most appropriate thus being less critical of it. Throughout the article he analyzed and discussed each approach in depth, yet his discussion of this methodology was concise, mainly acknowledging it as a great method, with little discussions of its possible short comings.
Ismael, H. (2020). Urban form study: the sprawling city—review of methods of studying urban sprawl. Geojournal, 86(4), 1785-1796. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-020-10157-9
Summary:
The scholar article explores the different approaches taken by research on the topic of urban sprawl. Ismael believes that a noticeable issue in the discussion of urban sprawl is the conflict on the true definition of the term. He concludes that the complex nature of the topics comes from vast range of regions affected by sprawl outside of metropolitan, alongside the many factors, most of which are left undiscussed, in the grand argument. For the time being Ismael believes the four-dimension technique which focuses on a grand range of factors is the most complex and suitable method of measuring urban sprawl.
Analysis:
Ismael reviews methods used by other researchers to study urban sprawl. The approaches to this concept include using GIS (geographical information system), quantitative vs qualitative measures, and an approach through the notion of metropolitan areas (MAs), which he critiques as “the sprawl should be measured in rural areas”. This is one of many times were Ismael presents his own bias opinion without true evidence.
All the methods discussed were compatible in their approaches except for the “feminist critique of the sprawl accessibility”, which was abruptly mentioned. The section for this method, elaborated on the health outcomes, physical costs and lack of drainage systems, and only at the end mentioned the correlation to feminism, which was similarly abrupt concluding that urban sprawl is “designed by and for men”. In the last line of his conclusion Ismael reiterates the male-dominated ideal behind urbanization. The abrupt nature of these comments portrays them as somehow forced, or simply for show. It reduces the credibility of his input.
He later claims the most apt method developed thus far is that of the four-dimension technique, which aligns with his prior claim that urban sprawl is a complex concept with many factors and dimensions. This indicates a consistency in his thought process, but it may similarly indicate that he had always concluded this method to be the most appropriate thus being less critical of it. Throughout the article he analyzed and discussed each approach in depth, yet his discussion of this methodology was concise, mainly acknowledging it as a great method, with little discussions of its possible short comings.
Citation:
Anahita Foundation. (2021). Anahita Foundation - Site. https://www.anahita.org.in/.
Summary:
The Anahita foundation is an Indian non-governmental non-profit organization established in 2009 with a focus on empowering the rural regions of India. The website is bright with a red, green, and white color pallet, it opens with a welcome and short description of the organization, then provides links to the missions, objectives, and donations. The activities provided by the organization can be found through both the horizontal green menu and by scrolling down the home webpage. Each of the activities has a title, short description, picture, and a ‘read more’ button. Towards the bottom of the page are videos from their official YouTube channel, latest news on rural India, an image gallery, and contact links. Alongside this are quick links that take the viewer back to homepage or to the allocated designation throughout the website.
Analysis:
The organization believes in the partnership between rural and urban India, with a focus on the rural culture that must be preserved. Like many other non-governmental organizations, it strives for the change to a better future, however it approaches this by looking at the lives of people in the rural regions of India. Beyond the idea that the true India lives amid the villagers in these regions – portraying a great sense of ancestorial and cultural attachment- the organization believes that these regions should not be left behind. Progression of the nation should not be limited to the modern urban rich.
The visual website is jarring with the bright colors and saturated images. It is difficult to read, which undermines the accessibility and quality of the information transfer. On the other hand, the website remains with the exact color pallet throughout the pages, and in the foundation’s icon. While the colors are common amongst organizational sites, the continuity allows for a generally professional look.
Similarly, the website is organized well, the most significant information is at the top, with the link to donate next to the objectives. There is an appropriate ratio of text to media; the descriptions are summarized and compact. The subheadings and titles allow for a very organized and easy to use set up, and the menu at the top, in addition to the quick links at the bottom of every page allows for a great deal of accessibility and convenience while using the website.
The activities provided by the organization include child health care initiatives, Agro-Tourism, education, environmental management, food and agriculture, rural development and poverty alleviation, water and sanitation, livelihood and women empowerment, and entrepreneurship and skill development. The activities cover a wide range of commonly discussed issues with ruralism. The organization is not only aware of these problems but is actively working towards improving on them.
The foundation’s slogan “Building a better future” is relatively unoriginal but does not hinder their message due to the universal use of this phrase. The organization’s website, LinkedIn and twitter are in English even though their Facebook, which is most updated, is in Hindi. It seems the organization uses their Facebook account to update the locals and uses the website to reach a universal audience.
Anahita Foundation. (2021). Anahita Foundation - Site. https://www.anahita.org.in/.
Summary:
The Anahita foundation is an Indian non-governmental non-profit organization established in 2009 with a focus on empowering the rural regions of India. The website is bright with a red, green, and white color pallet, it opens with a welcome and short description of the organization, then provides links to the missions, objectives, and donations. The activities provided by the organization can be found through both the horizontal green menu and by scrolling down the home webpage. Each of the activities has a title, short description, picture, and a ‘read more’ button. Towards the bottom of the page are videos from their official YouTube channel, latest news on rural India, an image gallery, and contact links. Alongside this are quick links that take the viewer back to homepage or to the allocated designation throughout the website.
Analysis:
The organization believes in the partnership between rural and urban India, with a focus on the rural culture that must be preserved. Like many other non-governmental organizations, it strives for the change to a better future, however it approaches this by looking at the lives of people in the rural regions of India. Beyond the idea that the true India lives amid the villagers in these regions – portraying a great sense of ancestorial and cultural attachment- the organization believes that these regions should not be left behind. Progression of the nation should not be limited to the modern urban rich.
The visual website is jarring with the bright colors and saturated images. It is difficult to read, which undermines the accessibility and quality of the information transfer. On the other hand, the website remains with the exact color pallet throughout the pages, and in the foundation’s icon. While the colors are common amongst organizational sites, the continuity allows for a generally professional look.
Similarly, the website is organized well, the most significant information is at the top, with the link to donate next to the objectives. There is an appropriate ratio of text to media; the descriptions are summarized and compact. The subheadings and titles allow for a very organized and easy to use set up, and the menu at the top, in addition to the quick links at the bottom of every page allows for a great deal of accessibility and convenience while using the website.
The activities provided by the organization include child health care initiatives, Agro-Tourism, education, environmental management, food and agriculture, rural development and poverty alleviation, water and sanitation, livelihood and women empowerment, and entrepreneurship and skill development. The activities cover a wide range of commonly discussed issues with ruralism. The organization is not only aware of these problems but is actively working towards improving on them.
The foundation’s slogan “Building a better future” is relatively unoriginal but does not hinder their message due to the universal use of this phrase. The organization’s website, LinkedIn and twitter are in English even though their Facebook, which is most updated, is in Hindi. It seems the organization uses their Facebook account to update the locals and uses the website to reach a universal audience.
Citation:
Russo, C. (2017, September 11). In the wake of Urbanisation. Future Proof Blog. [Blog Post] https://www.futuresplatform.com/blog/wake-urbanisation.
Summary:
Colin Russo writes a blog article on urbanization and future thinking in the Future Proof blog by Future platform. He discusses the preferred urbanized future of rural regions through a breakdown of the trends in urbanization, the drivers and barriers of the business-as-usual future, and case studies alongside scenarios of the preferred business future of cities. Russo uses a model of the lion and the man to explore the preferred relationship between urban large cities and small rural regions.
Analysis:
Russo begins by narrating the Greek tale of a lion and a man, an alleged metaphor of rural regions in contrast to larger cities. This draws intrigue and displays his opinion on the relationship between the urban poor and rich as one that can be beneficial to both parties, which does not tend to be the popular opinion.
He names the problems with rapid urban growth (e.g., water scarcity, decline in biocapacity and lack of forest areas) as ‘barriers’ which can be made into ‘opportunities’, a sort of favoritism to the idea of urbanization. Each barrier he introduces, he resolves before discussing. The alarming issues are somehow numbed.
His focus on the lion and the urban cities is clear from the beginning. The photograph used in the blog has a lion and in the distant a clearly urbanized city with skyscrapers. Interestingly, the man and rural regions are nowhere to be found. The picture creates a feeling of glory and pride – but only in the urban lion cities. Even the title “The wake of Urbanization” idealizes the urban life and requests urgent change from the rural part, a sort of wake-up call to the man, that these rural regions should opt for the urban ideal.
He uses a great deal of case studies to perpetuate his ideas, including Bhutan, UK, Shenzhen China, and Singapore. These cases are used to showcase the business-as-usual future he is promoting. He states that a larger urban rich region like those of the United Kingdom could benefit from advice on increasing the happiness scale from a rural region like Bhutan. Displaying this model of mutual partnership using two familiar and credible regions.
These smaller regions can benefit from the flexibility and readiness of larger urban cities- or as he calls them ‘lionesque’, here his earlier metaphor is reiterated and becomes more apparent. The man (rural cities) gets to benefit from the lion. Russo’s model is peculiar, it highlights this idea of partnership and good karma, however, it is far too picturesque; many times, partnerships do not last, once the rural regions gain enough traction they often develop into the more urban ideal, becoming competition to the urban cities. What happens when the model is no longer mutually beneficial ad benefits one part over the other?
Russo recognizes this to a degree, for he then explores the futures of these cities outside of the priorly preferred future discussed in the model, these include disowned, integrated, and outlier futures. Thus, giving him a great trustworthiness, he appears more open minded to the possibilities of his model not working.
Unfortunately, his discussions and ideas greatly favor the lion (urban cities), while he admits to the possible benefits rural regions may provide, his argument remains that they are the one to enforce change towards a happier future. His ideals lie in urbanization and business, in contrast to culture, he falls into the perception of urbanization as the only way of progress. His leniency towards these urban cities is because they have already reached that level of preferred future thus, they can simply hear out and take care of the rural regions.
He ends the blog post by recommending rural areas to follow a vision, one that focuses on development per the methods he discussed and requesting ‘lionesque cities’ reciprocate. Though he then states that the heart of the lion is what counts, not its size. Implying that the intent of larger cities to help is the most significant not their size or perhaps input. While this can be taken as paying homage to medium or smaller urban cities, it can also be seen as favoritism – he is requesting less from a certain region.
This conclusion felt like a moral to a tale, reaching to provide inspiration of some sort. It helped with continuity – he ended and began with the same tale, but it lacked in the context of the serious discussion.
The first scholar article proposes a multi-factor method of determining urban sprawl, which the second scholar article recognizes as the most suitable approach to the tackling of this modern urban issue. Both articles supported the complex notion behind urban sprawl, alongside the relevancy of the topic. The infrastructure dimension in the four-dimensions approach highlights the issue of food scarcity with the rapid urban growth. This issue with food safety is the topic argued on by Kaiman in the newspaper article.
Kaiman and the first scholar article both base their research on China. Kaiman focuses more on a singular village and its people (the social context) and particularly the effect this phenomenon has on food security, whereas the scholarly article does a broader analysis of 69 cities and the many factors and consequences of urban sprawl. While they are both coherent, the news article focuses making a strong claim on the link between urban sprawl and food safety, while the scholarly article actively searches for a method of measurement that would allow for solutions to flourish, hence, their audiences and approaches differ.
The food safety issue, infrastructure, economic, land use and water scarcity were all considered in the activities provided by the Anahita foundation. However, the foundation’s vision aligns most with the blog post made by Russo on the wake of urbanization. They both were adamant on the mutual partnership to be developed between large and smaller cities – this division was recognized by the two scholar articles as well but was not elaborated on.
The most subjective piece was the blog post, due to Russo’s clear bias towards rural regions, which interestingly is the focal part of Anahita Foundation’s approach to development. While the two sources shared a similar ideal, they approach the topic differently. The organization saw rural regions as the hear of the country which must not be left behind, while Russo saw them as dependent on the larger cities and in dire need of urbanization.
Both the foundation and Kaiman focus more on the people at hand, the social context. Recognizing the citizens effected by the issue and thus appealing more to pathos. Russo attempted to appeal to ethos most with his use of case studies and credible familiar names. The first scholar article appealed to logos most.
Russo, C. (2017, September 11). In the wake of Urbanisation. Future Proof Blog. [Blog Post] https://www.futuresplatform.com/blog/wake-urbanisation.
Summary:
Colin Russo writes a blog article on urbanization and future thinking in the Future Proof blog by Future platform. He discusses the preferred urbanized future of rural regions through a breakdown of the trends in urbanization, the drivers and barriers of the business-as-usual future, and case studies alongside scenarios of the preferred business future of cities. Russo uses a model of the lion and the man to explore the preferred relationship between urban large cities and small rural regions.
Analysis:
Russo begins by narrating the Greek tale of a lion and a man, an alleged metaphor of rural regions in contrast to larger cities. This draws intrigue and displays his opinion on the relationship between the urban poor and rich as one that can be beneficial to both parties, which does not tend to be the popular opinion.
He names the problems with rapid urban growth (e.g., water scarcity, decline in biocapacity and lack of forest areas) as ‘barriers’ which can be made into ‘opportunities’, a sort of favoritism to the idea of urbanization. Each barrier he introduces, he resolves before discussing. The alarming issues are somehow numbed.
His focus on the lion and the urban cities is clear from the beginning. The photograph used in the blog has a lion and in the distant a clearly urbanized city with skyscrapers. Interestingly, the man and rural regions are nowhere to be found. The picture creates a feeling of glory and pride – but only in the urban lion cities. Even the title “The wake of Urbanization” idealizes the urban life and requests urgent change from the rural part, a sort of wake-up call to the man, that these rural regions should opt for the urban ideal.
He uses a great deal of case studies to perpetuate his ideas, including Bhutan, UK, Shenzhen China, and Singapore. These cases are used to showcase the business-as-usual future he is promoting. He states that a larger urban rich region like those of the United Kingdom could benefit from advice on increasing the happiness scale from a rural region like Bhutan. Displaying this model of mutual partnership using two familiar and credible regions.
These smaller regions can benefit from the flexibility and readiness of larger urban cities- or as he calls them ‘lionesque’, here his earlier metaphor is reiterated and becomes more apparent. The man (rural cities) gets to benefit from the lion. Russo’s model is peculiar, it highlights this idea of partnership and good karma, however, it is far too picturesque; many times, partnerships do not last, once the rural regions gain enough traction they often develop into the more urban ideal, becoming competition to the urban cities. What happens when the model is no longer mutually beneficial ad benefits one part over the other?
Russo recognizes this to a degree, for he then explores the futures of these cities outside of the priorly preferred future discussed in the model, these include disowned, integrated, and outlier futures. Thus, giving him a great trustworthiness, he appears more open minded to the possibilities of his model not working.
Unfortunately, his discussions and ideas greatly favor the lion (urban cities), while he admits to the possible benefits rural regions may provide, his argument remains that they are the one to enforce change towards a happier future. His ideals lie in urbanization and business, in contrast to culture, he falls into the perception of urbanization as the only way of progress. His leniency towards these urban cities is because they have already reached that level of preferred future thus, they can simply hear out and take care of the rural regions.
He ends the blog post by recommending rural areas to follow a vision, one that focuses on development per the methods he discussed and requesting ‘lionesque cities’ reciprocate. Though he then states that the heart of the lion is what counts, not its size. Implying that the intent of larger cities to help is the most significant not their size or perhaps input. While this can be taken as paying homage to medium or smaller urban cities, it can also be seen as favoritism – he is requesting less from a certain region.
This conclusion felt like a moral to a tale, reaching to provide inspiration of some sort. It helped with continuity – he ended and began with the same tale, but it lacked in the context of the serious discussion.
The first scholar article proposes a multi-factor method of determining urban sprawl, which the second scholar article recognizes as the most suitable approach to the tackling of this modern urban issue. Both articles supported the complex notion behind urban sprawl, alongside the relevancy of the topic. The infrastructure dimension in the four-dimensions approach highlights the issue of food scarcity with the rapid urban growth. This issue with food safety is the topic argued on by Kaiman in the newspaper article.
Kaiman and the first scholar article both base their research on China. Kaiman focuses more on a singular village and its people (the social context) and particularly the effect this phenomenon has on food security, whereas the scholarly article does a broader analysis of 69 cities and the many factors and consequences of urban sprawl. While they are both coherent, the news article focuses making a strong claim on the link between urban sprawl and food safety, while the scholarly article actively searches for a method of measurement that would allow for solutions to flourish, hence, their audiences and approaches differ.
The food safety issue, infrastructure, economic, land use and water scarcity were all considered in the activities provided by the Anahita foundation. However, the foundation’s vision aligns most with the blog post made by Russo on the wake of urbanization. They both were adamant on the mutual partnership to be developed between large and smaller cities – this division was recognized by the two scholar articles as well but was not elaborated on.
The most subjective piece was the blog post, due to Russo’s clear bias towards rural regions, which interestingly is the focal part of Anahita Foundation’s approach to development. While the two sources shared a similar ideal, they approach the topic differently. The organization saw rural regions as the hear of the country which must not be left behind, while Russo saw them as dependent on the larger cities and in dire need of urbanization.
Both the foundation and Kaiman focus more on the people at hand, the social context. Recognizing the citizens effected by the issue and thus appealing more to pathos. Russo attempted to appeal to ethos most with his use of case studies and credible familiar names. The first scholar article appealed to logos most.