Planning Cultures between Models of Society and Planning

Abstract

In this chapter we argue that the characteristics of spatial planning systems are embedded in wider models of society, and that the notion of planning cultures sits between the two. We review the parallel dynamics of models of society and models (or typologies) of planning systems and identify the level of correspondence between them. Drawing on evidence from various European countries presented in the various chapters of this book and from elsewhere we show that many planning systems are undergoing similar types of changes despite the fact that the underlying model of society and the nature of the planning system are quite different. We also consider the extent to which these changes in planning systems are leading to convergence.