Page 175 - JCAU-7-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Urban orientalism and informal urbanization

experience spatial marginalization due to their remote conditions, and insufficient healthcare services. Theories
locations and limited access to urban facilities and services of marginality provide valuable analytical frameworks
(Cloke et al., 2004). for understanding the power dynamics and exclusionary
processes that perpetuate inequality and rural poverty
As per the findings of Schleck et al. (2018),
marginalized individuals living in rural areas often in Jinan. By adopting inclusive and participatory
development strategies, Jinan can work toward addressing
face social isolation, inadequate representation, and these persistent challenges.
discrimination, perpetuating patterns of disadvantage and
exclusion. Moreover, the concept of a parallel economy 5.5. Developmentalism and the emergence of
highlights the economic disparities within Jinan’s rural informality
enclaves. Aligned with this notion, underprivileged groups
often find themselves compelled to work in low-wage, To achieve a comprehensive understanding of urban
unstable jobs whereas rural economies operate in both growth, governance, and social transformation, it is
traditional, self-sufficient sectors and modern, capitalist essential to examine the roots of informality in Jinan
within the context of developmentalism. Since the late
frameworks (Lewis, 1954). Rural communities in Jinan 20 century, China has used a development strategy
th
typically engage in a combination of informal sector jobs, termed developmentalism. This strategy entails the
agriculture, and migration to urban areas to improve government playing a leading role in driving economic
their job opportunities. Nevertheless, the transition from growth, modernization, and urban expansion (Chen
traditional subsistence practices to paid employment in & Ong, 2016). However, the pursuit of rapid economic
rural communities sometimes reinforces cycles of poverty expansion often leads to unintended consequences, such
and marginalization (Fernández & Valladares, 2017). To as the proliferation of informal settlements, unregulated
address the interconnected challenges of urban disease, economic activities, and social inequalities. By examining
hygiene, and favelas in Jinan, it is crucial to understand the connection between developmentalism and informality
the links between rural enclaves, modernization, and in Jinan, experts and policymakers can gain significant
conceptions of marginality. Marginalized rural populations insights into the social and spatial changes accompanying
are particularly vulnerable to environmental hazards and urban transition and their implications for inclusive and
health issues due to their limited access to clean water, sustainable development.
adequate sanitation, and health care (Magalhães et al.,
2019). Moreover, the susceptibility of rural enclaves to Jinan, the capital of Shandong province in eastern
disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and socioeconomic China, has experienced rapid urbanization and economic
shocks is exacerbated by their physical and social isolation. growth over the past few decades. This growth has been
Policymakers and practitioners in Jinan should adopt a fueled by government initiatives to attract investment,
holistic approach that integrates interventions targeting promote industrial development, and improve urban
socio-economic development, housing, and health. infrastructure (Li & Wu, 2019). These developmental
Cleaver (1999) advocates for community-based initiatives, efforts have transformed Jinan into a prosperous economic
participatory planning procedures, and grassroots hub, attracting migrants, businesses, and investment from
movements, which can empower impoverished rural surrounding regions. However, alongside deliberate urban
communities and enhance their resilience to urban disease expansion, the city has witnessed the proliferation of
and environmental challenges. By prioritizing investments informal settlements, unregulated economic activities, and
in infrastructure, health care, and social services in marginalized populations, particularly on its periphery.
rural areas, Jinan can promote inclusive and equitable The manifestations of informality in Jinan are diverse,
development, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of all including informal housing, street vending, unauthorized
residents are addressed (Beckford, 2019). construction, and illegal land occupation (Wu & Webster,
2020a). These informal practices often arise from
When examining urban disease, hygiene, and favelas inadequacies in official urban planning and governance
in Jinan, it is evident that the relationship between rural structures, as well as socioeconomic inequalities (Roy,
enclaves, modernism, and conceptions of marginality 2009b). For example, rural migrants and low-income
is complex and multifaceted. Rural enclaves are areas individuals unable to afford formal housing frequently
where conventional lifestyles and cultural heritage coexist settle in informal settlements on the city’s outskirts,
with the forces of urbanization and modernization. where land is cheaper and regulations are less stringent
Nevertheless, these enclaves often endure marginalization (Chen et al., 2019). Similarly, small-scale entrepreneurs
within the broader urban context, characterized by limited and street vendors engage in informal economic activities
access to economic opportunities, inadequate hygienic to supplement their income and serve underprivileged

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2025) 10 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.3517