Overview

This 3-volume set examines how suburban spaces shape and reflect human experiences in North America, Europe, and Asia, bringing together works by an international group of scholars who explore suburbia through critical analyses of literature, culture, sociology, history, politics, and urban planning. The multidisciplinary and international scope of each volume offers readers a wide breadth of perspectives. Suburbia Reconsidered thus contributes significantly to the expanding field of suburban studies by offering novel insights into the representation of suburbs in literature, the cultural significance of suburban environments, and the socio-economic challenges confronting suburban communities across the globe.

Volume 3 Focus

Volume 3 of this 3-volume set addresses multiple dimensions of suburban social and political life, as well as planning and history. Contributors explore such themes as race and class exclusion, the relationship of eugenics to suburban planning, environmental impacts and activism in suburbia, and the influence of Cold War geopolitics on suburban planning. Some essays use history to explore implications for future suburban development, around such themes as environmental policy and multiracial suburban community building. These works use case studies to illustrate opportunities for creating more inclusive, sustainable, and culturally vibrant suburban spaces.

Conclusion

By integrating insights from literature, cultural studies, sociology, history, and urban planning, Suburbia Reconsidered enhances our understanding of suburban spaces and their potential for positive transformation, and encourages scholars to explore new methodologies and perspectives.