This timely book addresses what it is to be a planner in a changing world: a world in need of transformation in the way planning is done in order to tackle social problems and ecological crises. Nicholas Low argues for the need to revalue public planning, sensitive to the social context in which it takes place.

Aiming to define the social and political basis of planning, the book highlights how our neo-liberal world has lost touch with the importance of a well-resourced, impartial, professional and permanent public service to democracy. It does so by exploring the role of planning in long-term social and economic change, different understandings of social power and class and how human-nature relationships might influence ecological governance.

Planning scholars, particularly those focusing on urban and environmental planning, will find this book an inspiring and accessible read, integrating a wide range of social theories with social and ecological justice.

About the Author
Nicholas Low, Professorial Fellow, The University of Melbourne, Australia

Reviews
'This book provides a treasure chest of theoretical and political insights about what it means to be a planner and what is entailed in the planning process. Developed over a lifetime of research and teaching, Nick Low connects planning to the major debates going on in the critical social sciences and humanities, and in the world. If you are a student of public planning in need of theoretical inspiration, this book is for you!'
--Robyn Eckersley, The University of Melbourne, Australia

'For more than forty years, Nicholas Low has been writing with depth and lucidity on the challenging intersections of power, policy, justice, and the environment. Being a Planner in Society provides a culmination of this work in a sweeping, passionate, and compelling narrative that is mandatory reading for all those seeking to safeguard the planet.'
--Robert W. Lake, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, US

'In our current crises of climate change and rising inequality, the need for action is key, but it must be underpinned by understanding. This book provides a fresh, accessible and rigorous account of key theoretical perspectives that planning students will need to become informed, critical practitioners, able to tackle these challenges.'
--Katy McClymont, University of the West of England, UK

Book Information
ISBN 9781788973786
Author Nicholas Low
Format Hardback
Page Count 304
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd