The scope of this volume is broad, ranging from a discussion of specific growth problems in Lima to questions concerning the very possibility of a general theory of urbanization. The cross-disciplinary orientation is a blend of social science research and policy planning. Miller sets the theme at the outset, that in Latin America’s new and challenging urban era an urban policy conceived at the nattional level is necessary to guide the urbanization. During the next fifteen to twenty years, he warns, national governments will have to forceably intervene with explicit urban policies and the power to carry them out, if the now cumulating problems of urban growth are to be ameliorated.
Each of the four contributed chapters (by Pedersen and Stohr, Friedmann, Daland, and Delgado) focusses on a different aspect of urbanization policy or theory. Although they date from a Jahuel Seminar in 1968, they still provide refreshing insights. Some readers will be familiar with them already, from the American Behavioral Scientist of May-June 1969. The remainder of the book includes critiques by other conference participants and Miller’s several provocative editorial chapters. Fairly extensive bibliographies follow each chapter.
In spite of its long-delayed publication, this book’s emphasis on broad regional, national, and even international policies for dealing with urbanization remains a valuable one, and it is an important contribution to the literature in this field.
