Testing comparative spatial planning studies in the Latin American context: theoretical implications and challenges for regional development

Abstract

Until recently, comparative spatial planning research had mostly focused on the European continent. Since the end of the 1980s, a growing number of studies contributed to the proliferation of theoretical and methodological approaches, as well as to a further definition of the object of study. Comparisons focusing on other parts of the World are much less frequent, if one excludes the rather ‘dry’ reports produced by international organizations. Aiming at investigating the reasons behind this empirical gap, the paper inquires the theoretical implications and challenges that emerge when applying to the global South conceptual and analytical frameworks developed in the Northern hemisphere. In so doing, it first raises awareness on the role played by the colonial legacy to then argue for the need to ‘go beyond technical efficiency’ and to consider dominant power relations hidden by the apparent neutrality of spatial governance and planning systems, particularly in relation to contexts where spatial inequalities are more pronounced. In this light, it suggests to consider informal practices alongside formal ones, as a way forward to better understand the drivers structuring spatial governance and planning systems in the Global South. Overall, to test comparative spatial governance and planning studies to the Latin American context could provide an added value for the development of the region, by setting up a regional agenda for more integrated and cooperative spatial planning in Latin America.