Manuel Castells's New Urban Theory In The Perspective Of Network Societ

Since ancient times,cities have been an important place for human activities and have attracted much attention.In the early 20 th century,the Chicago School of Sociology in the United States established urban sociology and conducted in-depth research on urban production,space,culture,and social organization.However,by the1960 s,with changes in social contradictions,the old theories of urban sociology were no longer suitable for the current situation and required new theoretical frameworks to explain the changes and developments in contemporary cities.As a world-renowned urban sociologist,Manuel Castells’ new urban theory is unique in the Marxist urban school.His theory of the network society has prompted a reexamination of the development and changes of cities.Castells believes that the foundation of contemporary urban development is globalization and information technology,and that cities are no longer just physical spaces,but are information-rich,interconnected network spaces.Castells continued the Marxist position of Lefebvre’s spatial theory,but abandoned Lefebvre’s humanistic Marxist theoretical stance and instead adopted a "scientific" Marxist position based on Althusser’s structuralism.Castells analyzed urban spatial theory that is suitable for the development of contemporary society against the background of the network society,redefined concepts such as city,society,and space,and proposed new models for urban development,while delving into the trends and characteristics of urban development,attempting to reveal the laws of contemporary urban development.Castells’ combination of the two major theories with a new definition has a unique,systematic,and advanced perspective,which has positive academic significance and social value.His theory helps not only to understand the essential spirit and theoretical value of Marxism but also to deepen our understanding of the urban and social processes of the 21 st century.Castells theory of urban space under the perspective of the network society has profound inspirational significance for China’s urbanization and information technology development.