Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper aims to conceptually integrate the two main perspectives in urban sociology – human ecology and political economy -- to explain urban sprawl phenomenon. After comparing their focus of studies, assumptions, methodologies, I found these two perspectives are not fundamentally contradictory, but compliment and supplement with each other. Therefore, I suggest an integrative explanation for urban sprawl phenomenon, incorporating both perspectives. Three testable arguments can be derived from the integrative theory: 1) both increase in population and advancement in technology contribute to urban sprawl; 2) state, government and other political intervention also play an important role in accelerating or controlling urban sprawl process; 3) global political and economic inequality and competition is one of main driving forces for the urban development in the third world countries. Finally, the suggestions for future empirical study are discussed.