Page 176 - JCAU-7-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Urban orientalism and informal urbanization

communities (Chen & Ong, 2016). The prevalence of and contradictions in China’s urbanization process.
informality in Jinan is closely linked to its growth and While developmentalism seeks to promote economic
policy priorities. The local government’s emphasis on advancement and modernization, it often excludes informal
fostering economic growth and expanding urban areas settlements, economic activities, and marginalized
often adversely affects informal settlements and economic communities. A comprehensive analysis of the relationship
activities (Li, 2020). Informal settlements are frequently between developmentalism and informality can help
targeted for demolition and redevelopment to make space experts and decision-makers identify opportunities to
for infrastructure projects, commercial developments, or develop urban strategies that prioritize inclusivity, equity,
residential complexes (Wu & Webster, 2020a). Similarly, and environmental sustainability while safeguarding the
unlicensed street vendors often face harassment, interests and rights of all individuals.
displacement, or confiscation of their goods as governing
authorities attempt to regulate public spaces and establish 5.6. The concept of informality endures
formal urban marketplaces (Chen et al., 2019). Moreover, The concept of informality remains prevalent and
Jinan’s developmentalist urban planning and governance constantly evolving in metropolitan areas worldwide,
approach prioritizes the interests of capital and elites over showcasing complex interactions between social,
those of marginalized communities and informal workers economic, and political factors. Despite efforts to establish
(Roy, 2009b). Li & Wu (2019) found that the development legal frameworks and regulations for urban areas, informal
of large infrastructure projects, such as highways, high- practices persist, influencing urban structures and affecting
speed rail lines, and industrial parks, often leads to the the lives of city residents. For policymakers, planners, and
displacement of rural populations, informal settlers, and scholars seeking to address the challenges and harness
small-scale entrepreneurs, with limited compensation the potential of informality to promote equitable and
or support for resettlement. This centralized decision- sustainable urban development, a thorough understanding
making model exacerbates socioeconomic disparities, of its enduring characteristics is essential.
spatial segregation, and exclusionary practices, further Informality encompasses a diverse range of activities,
marginalizing vulnerable communities and entrenching spaces, and relationships that operate independently
cycles of poverty and informality (Davis, 2016). of formal regulatory structures (Portes, 1994). It is
The tension between developmentalism and informality widespread across various aspects of urban life, particularly
in Jinan raises critical questions regarding the equity, in developing nations and rapidly urbanizing areas.
longevity, and inclusivity of its urban development Common manifestations include informal settlements,
approaches. While developmentalism aims to advance street hawking, unregistered businesses, and irregular
economic modernization, it often overlooks the needs and employment arrangements (Hart, 1973). The persistent
rights of marginalized groups and informal sector workers nature of informality stems from its adaptability to meet
(Friedmann, 2018). Furthermore, its emphasis on hierarchical the needs and constraints of marginalized populations,
planning and regulation limits community-driven initiatives, while also addressing the gaps left by formal institutions.
participatory governance, and decentralized management Informality endures due to structural inequities,
approaches (Escobar, 2011). To address the problems caused inadequate governance systems, and discriminatory
by informality within the framework of developmentalism, policies that marginalize certain groups from formal
policymakers and practitioners in Jinan should adopt more economic and social networks (Roy, 2005). Urbanization
inclusive and collaborative urban planning and governance and globalization have further accelerated the growth of
strategies. Community-led initiatives, participatory informal economies and settlements. This expansion is
decision-making, and grassroots movements can empower largely driven by individuals migrating from rural areas or
marginalized groups and informal sector workers to assert being evicted from their homes in search of opportunities
their rights, access essential services, and gain recognition in metropolitan areas (Davis, 2006). Broader phenomena
from the governmental authorities (Cleaver, 1999). such as urbanization, economic transformation, and social
Moreover, integrating a human rights-based approach into change also contribute significantly to the persistence of
urban development can help ensure that the needs and informality, shaping the functioning of contemporary cities
aspirations of all residents, including those in informal (Roy, 2009a). Informality in settlements often manifests
settlements, are taken into account in policy formulation through inadequate housing, questionable land ownership,
and implementation (UNDP, 2017). and limited access to critical services.

In summary, the presence of informality in Jinan’s Informal settlements – sometimes known as slums
developmentalism underscores the inherent challenges or shantytowns – are tangible representations of urban

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2025) 11 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.3517