Answer

1. How World Events Have Shaped the Development of Shanghai and Detroit

The development of major cities around the world can be attributed to a variety of economic and political transformations which they have experienced. Notably, development refers to human progress which denotes social betterment/improvement. Development of the first major cities could also be explained from the context of the various world events which influenced the progress of the cities (Brown and Hanlin, 2013). This paper provides a description of the major world events which led to the development of Shanghai and Detroit.

            One of the major world events which led to the development of Shanghai is capitalism as well as industrialism. In specific, capitalism is a system of social relations whereby capital is in the hands of private individuals. Industrialization, on the other hand, refers to the mechanization of productive activities in societies via the use of inanimate power sources. After 1840, when the First Opium War had ended, the British opened the first treaty port in Shanghai in 1843. There was an advent of capitalism in the city with many other countries setting their concessions in Shanghai. The companies not only sought raw materials from Shanghai, but also opened factories in the area. Industrialization led to the setting up of different enterprises including shipping, banking, printing, pharmacy, architecture, and public utilities (Brown and Hanlin, 2013). Technological development was also another world event which shaped the development of the city. In specific, in the 1930s, there was an increased use of advanced techniques and equipment by enterprises with foreign goods which came into the city making it an economic and cultural hub. Globalization ensured that products could be moved into Shanghai while those which had been manufactured could also be sold to other countries. Such world events were undoubtedly instrumental in shaping the development of Shanghai.

            Detroit was largely shaped by industrial capitalism as well as technological transformation. Notably, according to Brown and Hanlin (2013, p.8), the city saw the movement of large numbers of people from the rural to the urban areas. Large-scale urbanization which was a key characteristic of Detroit in the 20^th century was responsible for a significant growth of the city. Additionally, the advent of capitalist economies in Detroit which were characterized by competition between capitalist firms in the market drove increased innovation which is a primary dynamic of the economy. The constant technological innovation led to increased productivity resulting in improved standards of living. In Detroit, industrialization was instrumental in shaping the city considering that the first automobile was born in Detroit more than 100 years ago. The second American Revolution led to the unleashing of forces of mass production coupled with consumerism, which then shaped the 20^th century. Although such aspects happened mostly in the US, they spread to Detroit which then led to an increase in consumerism, necessitating higher production capacities and hence, the growth of the city. The growth and expansion of the city can be attributed to ‘Americanism,’ which was a dominant force in the 20th century characterized by a culture of mass production and consumption.

In conclusion, the development of major cities such as Shanghai and Detroit can be attributed to various industrial, social, and technological events around the globe. In Shanghai, the development of the city was shaped by increased industrialization and capitalism which led to the opening of many enterprises in the city in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. However, Detroit’s development can be attributed to the aspects of industrial development which was influenced by ‘Americanism,’ a dominant force characterized by mass production and consumption.

2. How Shanghai’s Development Can Be Understood Using Two Different Theoretical Approaches

People have different views about how development occurs in practice as well as how it should occur theoretically. The views on how development should occur fall within normative judgments whereas the understanding of how development actually occurs in practice is pegged on an analytical judgment. Various approaches to development have been created and have shaped the debate on development. Some of these include neoliberalism, structuralism, interventionalist, and people-centered approaches (Hanlin & Brown, 2013, p.31-36). This paper will provide a description of two theoretical approaches through which Shanghai’s development can be understood.

The development of Shanghai can be understood using the theoretical approach of neoliberalism and structuralism. In the neoliberalism approach, there is more emphasis on the actions of free markets (capitalism) as well as the uncontrolled activities of both buying and selling (Hanlin & Brown, 2013, p.34). Additionally, neoliberalists stress in the use of the best means for the provision of development. In Shanghai, there was increased capitalism as various companies opened their factories in the city and engaged in mass production of goods and recouped the costs by selling them at a profit. Just like neoliberalists, there was no belief in Shanghai that the state (China) could act in the interests of the people. The capitalists thus believed that they had power over the state as most of the enterprises (capital) belonged to them. There was increased production in the Shanghai markets which was carried out by the individuals and enterprises who had operations in the city. In Shanghai, the industrial development was very efficient and a general economic growth was witnessed. The existing conditions provided ensured that there was room for innovation which led to the adoption of new technologies, hence resulting in increased production and development.

The structuralism theoretical approach can also be used to understand the development of Shanghai. In specific, structuralists’ views are that markets have the ability to contribute to economic growth to some people (Hanlin & Brown, 2013, p.35). As such, in understanding the development of a city, a need arises for an examination of the power and social structures. Structuralism calls for control of unfettered markets and that state government as well as international agencies need to take actions to ensure fair competition. Despite Shanghai being a capitalist society, international agencies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) came in to ensure that there was fair competition. The inequality which had been brought about by capitalists was reduced through measures aimed at controlling financial flows and providing subsidies to some of the industries which were failing. The development of the country came into light when there was government intervention as well as control from the international agencies. Via the views of the structuralists, an individual can understand the development of the city of Shanghai.

In conclusion, various approaches to development have been created and have shaped the debate on development. Some of the theories of development which have been developed are neoliberalism, structuralism, interventionalist, and people-centered approaches. Shanghai’s development can be understood from the neoliberalism and structuralist approaches. In specific, the city benefited immensely from the existence of capitalism which led to mass production and consumption. Additionally, the coming in of government control as well as intervention from IMF can be used to demonstrate how equality was attained in the development of Shanghai.