Reasons for the development of urban primacy in Latin America between 1800 and 1975 are explored. The author also considers theories of urban primacy and compares the Latin American experience to that of the developed world.
The author describes the changing patterns of urban growth in China since 1949 and the related policy changes. He attempts to explain why the more recent patterns of growth have been so different both from trends during the years immediately following the Revolution and from the experience of other developing countries. The emphasis is on the de-urbanization efforts that occurred between 1958 and 1976.
The authors examine the relationships among economic imperialism, economic development, and urbanization in Latin America. In particular, they contrast the effects of nineteenth-century British capitalism and those of modern U.S. capitalism. The consequent development of urbanization patterns similar to those that occurred in Northern America is considered.
