CFP RGS-IBG 2014: Urban uncertainty
In this session we seek papers that explore the conceptual utility of analysing uncertainty as a key dimension of the contemporary urban condition. We are interested to explore how contemporary cities are governed, envisaged, built, planned and inhabited in anticipation of uncertain futures. Engaging with the domains of security, environment, health, finance, politics and beyond, we hope to analyse and compare the diversity of ways in which urban governments and residents orient themselves towards the uncertain and the unknown. In particular, we are concerned with how different forms of future uncertainty relate to emerging logics, rationalities, and techniques for governing cities. Linked to these processes are uncertainties about established paradigms of urban theory. Therefore, we also hope to engage the multiple conceptual and methodological challenges that arise from a discussion of the role of uncertainty in contemporary urban transformations. What analytical tools are appropriate for grasping the diversity of ways in which the uncertain future shapes cities and urban life?
We are keen to include papers that conceptually and empirically address issues of urban uncertainty in the widest sense. Papers may seek to consider the following questions:
• What uncertainties are in evidence throughout cities and how are they materialized in urban space?
• How is uncertainty produced, what work is it doing, and at what scale?
• What projects, both personal and political, does uncertainty enable or constrain, and what responses is it generating?
• How is uncertainty lived, negotiated, and mobilized by differently positioned urban actors and what additional uncertainties are emerging as a result?
• Is the concept of uncertainty relevant for studying the contemporary urban condition?
Organisers:
Jonathan Silver (Durham University/London School of Economics)
Austin Zeiderman (London School of Economics)
Sobia Ahmad Kaker (Newcastle University/London School of Economics)
If you are interested to participate, please send abstracts of 250-300 words to Sobia Kaker [log in to unmask] by Feb 10th 2014
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An urban geography discussion and announcement forum
List Archives: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/URB-GEOG-FORUM
Maintained by: RGS-IBG Urban Geography Research Group
UGRG Home Page: http://www.urban-geography.org.uk
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