LESSON 8:

THE GLOBAL
CITY
LEARNING OUTCOMES
KEY NOTES TO REMEMBER

Explain why the globalization is a spatial

phenomenon
Identify the attributes of a global city; and
Analyze how cities serve as engines of globalization
 WHY STUDY GLOBAL CITIES?

Second, globalization is
First, globalization is spatial
spatial, as it is based in
because it takes place in
places, which is what
actual spaces
propels it forward
DEFINING THE
GLOBAL CITY
THE HISTORY
In the 1990s, sociologist Saskia Sassen
popularized the concept “global city”. Her
definition of a global city was mostly based on
economic factors. She began her research by
identifying three major cities: New York,
London, and Tokyo, all of which are financial
and capitalist hubs.
INDICATORS OF GLOBAL
CITY
SO WHAT ARE THE MULTIPLE ATTRIBUTES OF A GLOBAL
CITY?

Economic Power
Center of authority
Center of higher learning and culture.
 THE CHALLENGES OF
GLOBAL CITIES

Global cities conjure up of fast-paced,

exciting, cosmopolitan lifestyles, but
such description are lacking. They can
be sites of great inequality and
poverty as well as tremendous
violence.
 THE GLOBAL CITY AND
THE POOR

Gentrification is the
process of displacing the
poor in favor of newer,
wealthier residents.