Problems of Urban Decline and Growth in EEC Countries: Or Measuring Degrees of Elephantness

The purpose of this paper is to draw together several strands of literature concerned with the measurement of spatial economic and social differences and then suggest an alternative approach. We then apply that approach to classifying the problems of 103 of the largest metropolitan regions in the EEC countries. In the process, this allows us to conceptualise and attempt to quantify 'urban decline' in Europe: and simultaneously discover the extent to which urban problems in Europe are still associated with growth. Although it is hoped that the paper is infused with some theoretical and analytical insight, it is primarily empirical in scope. It draws on a small part of a much wider project. Some of the analytical support- particularly the arguments and evidence that support the use of Functional Urban Regions (FURs) as units of analysis, and all of the analytical and policy implications are reported on elsewhere.' 1