Hierarchical tendencies amongst world cities: a global research proposal

Abstract

This is a plea for global-scale analyses of social change with particular reference to the study of the hypothesis that there is a world city hierarchy. Data deficiencies (state-centrism and attribute bias) and theoretical limitations in conceptualizing how a world city hierarchy might develop are highlighted and suggestions for overcoming these problems are presented. Empirically, this involves a pilot study of US world cities using geographical content analysis of the business section of city newspapers to explore inter-city relations. Theoretically, it is proposed that the static conception of hierarchy be replaced by the more modest idea of hierarchical tendencies within a broader space-time context. Combining these empirical and theoretical proposals, a research programme for a global study is outlined and readers are invited to consider how it might be implemented.