Collaborative Neighbourhood Governance: Investigating Two Types of Resettlement Neighbourhoods in Suburban Shanghai, China

Abstract

ABSTRACT China's state-sponsored urbanisation has resulted in land expropriation – induced neighbourhoods that accommodate resettled villagers. The complexity of resettlement neighbourhood governance requires multiple governance nodes. Informed by two types of resettlement neighbourhoods in suburban Shanghai, this study examines the horizontal and vertical structures of collaborative neighbourhood governance. The study reveals that the government nodes have more power and authority, and other neighbourhood-based organisations need to be better represented in their competition for power, social prestige, political legitimacy, and economic resources. The consolidation of fragmented governance relationships calls for equally empowered networks and societal and economic inclusiveness.