Amin points out that it is odd that the mainstream view of cities and regions is still one of territorial entities, although recent developments have been “transforming cities and regions into sites immersed in global networks of organization and routinely implicated in distant connections and influences”. These developments have become known as globalization and were they reason why spatial configurations (e.g. territorial borders) are no longer necessarily territorial or scalar, because “the social, economic, political and cultural inside and outside are constituted through the topologies of actor networks which are becoming increasingly dynamic and varied in spatial constitution” (Amin). This paper intends to outline the circumstances and consequences of the development identified by Amin in terms of the creation of new forms of inequality and disparity. The first part deals with definitions in the realm of borders and boundaries, the second part treats the historical, current and future meanings of borders and the third part draws the connection between borders and inequality.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Definitions
2.1 Static Boundary Classifications: Antecedence vs. Subsequence
2.2 Functional Boundary Classifications: Open vs. Closed
3 The Meaning Of Borders
3.1 Artificial and Natural Borders
3.2 The Necessity of Borders
3.3 The Future of Borders: the Changing Meaning
3.4 The Complexity of Borders
3.4.1 Wishing Boundaries Away?
3.4.2 Borders Are Everywhere
4 Borders and Inequality
4.1 Inequality Through Migration
4.2 Global Cities
4.3 Theory of Fragmenting Development
4.4 Gated Communities
4.5 Problems of Inequality and Possible Solutions
5 Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper explores how the evolving nature of territorial borders in an era of globalization contributes to new forms of social and economic inequality. It examines the shift from traditional, rigid state boundaries to more complex, diffuse forms of exclusion that manifest both regionally and within urban environments, ultimately aiming to identify the mechanisms that drive these disparities.
- Conceptual definitions of borders, boundaries, and frontiers.
- The historical and ongoing transformation of border meanings and functionality.
- Impact of migration patterns on regional inequality and demographic shifts.
- Analysis of global cities and the "theory of fragmenting development."
- The rise of gated communities as physical and social markers of exclusion.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Artificial and Natural Borders
In order to be able to discuss the change in the meaning of borders that has taken place roughly over the past half-century, one must first have a look at how those boundaries and borders that are changing came into existence in the first place. In a way, the question whether boundaries are natural or artificial (i.e. man-made) can be compared to the chicken and egg dilemma – was the creation of borders a result of the creation of humanity or did borders already exist before mankind? Modern geographers almost completely agree that every border must have been created artificially by mankind, but followers of geographical determinism used to believe in the God-given nature of borderlines until as late as the 19th century.
By the beginning of the 20th century, at least a distinction between natural and artificial borders was common, and in the year 1907 a man like Lord Curzon of Kedleston – later to become the British Secretary of State – did not find natural boundaries like mountains, rivers, or forests utterly important any more, but saw them replaced by artificial borders having their “origin in the complex operations of race, language, trade, religion, and war” (Curzon 1907 cited acc. to Redepenning 2005: 169). Curzon was in pursuit of the “good” drawing of borders, by what he meant artificial borders in harmony with natural borders and saw geographical knowledge as most important in this affair. After all, borders cannot be drawn too artificially or else they would lose their authority and legitimacy. Ratzel (1892, cited acc. to Redepenning 2005: 170) supports this theory by stating that the activity of drawing borders is the more successful the more it adheres to natural conditions.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the shift from traditional territorial entities to globalized networks and outlines the paper's focus on new forms of inequality.
2 Definitions: Provides a conceptual foundation by distinguishing between the terms "border," "boundary," and "frontier" and classifying them functionally and statically.
3 The Meaning Of Borders: Explores the origins, necessity, and evolving complexity of borders in a globalized world, highlighting the contrast between "wishing boundaries away" and the view that "borders are everywhere."
4 Borders and Inequality: Examines the tangible consequences of shifting borders, specifically addressing migration-induced regional disparities, global cities, fragmenting development, and gated communities.
5 Conclusion: Summarizes the thesis, noting that contemporary inequalities have become more visible and localized within cities compared to the pre-Cold War era.
Keywords
Globalization, Territorial Borders, Social Inequality, Migration, Global Cities, Fragmenting Development, Gated Communities, Regional Disparity, Boundary Theory, Spatial Polarization, Economic Inequality, Urban Segregation, Nationalism, Mobility Paradigm, Citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this academic work?
The paper examines how the evolving significance of territorial borders in a globalizing world acts as a catalyst for new types of social and economic inequality.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The core themes include the definition and evolution of border concepts, the impact of migration on regional economies, urban polarization, and the social implications of exclusionary structures like gated communities.
What is the main research objective?
The primary goal is to outline the circumstances and consequences of modern border changes in terms of how they create new forms of disparity and inequality in society.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The author utilizes a literature-based analysis of political geography and urban development, applying theoretical frameworks such as Myrdal’s "Theory of Cumulative Causation" and the "Global City" thesis.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body treats the conceptual definitions of boundaries, the historical and future meanings of borders, and specific case studies regarding regional inequality, global cities, and urban fragmentation.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include Globalization, Territorial Borders, Social Inequality, Fragmenting Development, Gated Communities, and Spatial Polarization.
How do gated communities contribute to inequality according to the text?
The text argues that gated communities create both physical and symbolic markers of exclusion, leading to the fragmentation of urban landscapes and restricting the free movement of non-residents.
What does the author conclude about the visibility of modern inequality?
The author concludes that while pre-Cold War inequalities were largely between nations, modern inequalities are much more visible and occur within smaller, localized spaces, particularly within global cities.
- Quote paper
- Mag. phil. Martin Payrhuber (Author), 2014, The Changing Meaning of Territorial Borders, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/271187
