Planning Theory

Within a changing and increasingly complex society, how can people 'make sense' of what is happening and plan for the future? Planning theory has undergone significant changes during recent decades as new theories and perspectives have been developed. Philip Allmendinger's new text moves away from a linear model of progress over time from one paradigm to another or a chronological description of approaches and explains how and why different theories have gained dominance in planning in particular places at particular times. Following a brief overview of the historical evolution of planning theory and an introduction to the key philosophical issues involved, the core chapters each cover a major contending approach. The book concludes by attempting to draw a balance-sheet of the current state of planning theory and suggests how it might move forward. 'Planning theory' will be of use to students and academics alike, providing an essential guide to current planning theory and a new post-positivist perspective.