Planning Policy Formulation from a Lacanian Perspective

Lacan provides an explanation for the role rhetorical discourse plays in shaping belief both within planning practice and for public acceptance of planning policy. This paper focuses on the function Lacanian ‘master signifiers’ fulfil in constructing individual, group and societal identity. This paper suggests that effective planning includes the shaping of public belief for the implementation of urban policy and strategic plans. To this end, plans and policies constitute and deploy metaphorical and often iconic symbols to help define a community's collective fantasy as to what constitutes a ‘better’ future. Human desire, and not just power, is central to this process. Both can be pernicious.