Enclave Urbanism In China: Consequences and Interpretations

Following reforms enacted since the late 1970s, domestic and foreign investments resulting in a dramatic transformation of China’s landscape. The concentrated Maoist city with cellular multifunctional work-unit structure is disappearing. In its place, cities now emerge as of mono-functional and mono-cultural enclaves, often demarcated by walls and gates. on experiences elsewhere, urban theorists criticize such segregated and gated developments they threaten social integration and social justice. Focusing on residential enclaves, this article considers the relevance of this criticism for urban China. It is argued that enclaves might indeed produce substantial negative effects. However, the materialization these effects depends on local spatial and social realities. Thus an adequate interpretation Chinese enclave urbanism necessitates the answering of a number of empirical questions. the most prominent are: Does the private provision of services in China lead to or exacerbate? Do residential enclaves limit contacts among groups? And how do various social perceive walls and gates in urban China?