The Governance of Urban Regeneration: A Critique of the ‘Governing Without Government’ Thesis

33 Pages Posted: 22 Apr 2011

See all articles by Jonathan S. Davies

Jonathan S. Davies

De Montfort University; Centre for Urban Research on Austerity

Date Written: January 18, 2002

Abstract

This paper offers a critique of the concept of governance as networks. Using the complementary concept of regime governance, it argues that networks are not the primary mode of governance in the politics of urban regeneration in the UK. Drawing on primary and secondary material, it is argued that Central Government is becoming more influential in the local policy arena. In the ‘mix’ of market, hierarchy and network, hierarchy is more pervasive than network. It is therefore argued that partnerships should be treated as a distinct mode of governance. These conclusions demonstrate that despite the fashion for copying urban policies from the USA, local politics in the UK remain very different. Ironically, the transfer of policies developed in the USA has tended to entrench divergent practices and outcomes. The UK does not, therefore, appear to be moving toward the US model of regime politics. It is concluded that the partnership and network/regime models of governance should be subjected to rigorous comparative studies.

Suggested Citation

Davies, Jonathan S. and Davies, Jonathan S., The Governance of Urban Regeneration: A Critique of the ‘Governing Without Government’ Thesis (January 18, 2002). ART/2001/24, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1813749

Jonathan S. Davies (Contact Author)

Centre for Urban Research on Austerity ( email )

The Gateway
Leicester, LE1 9BH
United Kingdom

De Montfort University ( email )

Hugh Aston Building
The Gateway
Leicester, East Midlands LE1 9BH
United Kingdom

HOME PAGE: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/professor-jonathan-davies

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