Originally published as 'Cities of Peasants', this highly-acclaimed account of the expansion of capitalism in the developing world has now been extensively rewritten and updated.



Focusing on Latin America, Bryan Roberts traces the evolution of developing societies and their economies to the present. Taking account of the move towards more 'open' economies, a shrinking of the state and various transitions towards democracies, he shows how urban growth has produced new patterns of social stratification, creating opportunities for social mobility, but doing little to decrease income inequality or political and social pressures.



Underlying social changes have broadened the practice of citizenship in developing countries, limiting authoritarian rule but within a context of entrenched social inequalities and persisting political instability. This book conveys both the flavour of life in the cities of the third world and the immediacy of their problems.

Reviews

...one of the most significant contributions to the growing literature of Third World urbanization.
Annals of the AAG (of the first edition)

...an excellent book, worthy of close study, rewarding to read chapter by chapter, and one whose study will enrich the appreciation of most social scientists of the organization of Latin American cities.
Environment and Planning A (of the first edition)

Book Information
ISBN 9780340604786
Author Bryan Roberts
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Hodder Arnold
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 408g