Urban Economies and Societies

General assignment rules:

· Each answer should contain up to 300 words (not including tables,
bibliography, footnotes or appendices). Font: Arial, size 12.

· Use at least two academic sources and two general sources for each question. Make sure to use resources that are as
up-to-date as possible. You are also encouraged to use data from official
government and municipal sources, as well as from international organizations
(UN, World Bank, etc.). Remember to cite the sources for all data, and any
images, graphs or other visual materials. Do not copy-paste from the sources
you use.

1. Urban Economies: Examine and analyze the
economic base of Sydney city

A. Present key economic data on your city in a
concise table (up to one page, not counted as part of the 300-word limit). This
can include (but is not limited to) the following information:

The size of the urban
economy (GDP/GNI)
Annual economic growth
rates
Main economic sectors and
industries
Economic projections for
the near future
B. Based on your analysis of the data you
collected, address at least two of the following points:

Which industries are
growing – and why? Which industries appear to be declining – and why?
Are there especially
innovative industries, clusters or businesses in your city? What explains their
success?
What are the overall
economic prospects for your city in the next 10-20 years?
Present a well-reasoned
argument based on cited facts and additional references.

2. Urban Societies:
Poverty, Informality and Inequality: Examine and analyze the
main trends regarding poverty, informality, and inequality in your city.

A. Present the following information on your
city in a concise table (up to one page, not counted as part of the 300-word
limit):

What percentage of the
city’s residents live below the poverty line (international, national, or
local)?
What percentage of the
city’s residents live in areas that qualify as slums or informal areas?
What is the estimated size
and makeup of the informal economy, and how many people are estimated to work
in it?
How (un)equal is your city
(based on inequality indices like GINI)?

B. Based on your analysis of the data you
collected, answer at least two of the following questions:

What unique issues and
vulnerabilities do residents of slums/informal neighborhoods in your city face?
What policies does the
city promote with regard to urban poverty, slums/informal settlements (i.e.
slum clearance, slum upgrading, etc.)? Give specific examples.
Overall, how successful
has the city been in addressing poverty and inequality?
Present a well-reasoned
argument based on cited facts and references.

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