Analysis of Global Cities

Introduction

Sassen (2001) defines a global city as one within which “the linkages binding a city have a direct and tangible effect on global affairs through socio-economic means”. Sassen emphasises the ‘global’ importance of these cities. However, we must study the individual locations this global entity consists of, in order to fully understand the whole; something we have endeavoured to achieve through a focus on the districts of Shoreditch and Hoxton. To begin our report, we will first outline our research methodologies. Following this will be a literature review, analysing and summating the literature we have studied to support our fieldwork. The main section of the report will comprise our analysis of the question, exploring the transformation of London’s ‘industrial, occupational, income and residential’ structures. We will then discuss our analyses, drawing a conclusion focussing on the extent to which we believe London has been transformed.

Methodology

The prevailing requirement of the question is to maintain a sensitivity towards the essence of both the social characterisation and structure of Shoreditch and Hoxton: this implies the need for a response based upon research that considers how and why London’s social environment is the way it is, rather than research that merely quantifies elements of its social environment. For this reason, the qualitative fieldwork collected during our walks around Shoreditch and Hoxton has formed the basis of this report. Our fieldwork includes field notes, personal responses and photos, all of which were collected via individual observation during a two hour circular tour around central areas within Shoreditch and Hoxton. After amalgamation, the coding of these grouped fieldwork reco...

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