In accordance with the book "(re)searching Gothenburg", the aim of this essay is to show that “general social processes can also be studied in smaller and peripheral cities, together with their unique aspects” (Holgersson et al., p 26) - but, above that, to take that idea one step further into the periphery of the world.
Accordingly, this essay is going to analyse a small, rather unimportant and unknown city in north-eastern Germany: the University and Hanseatic City of Greifswald. The paper looks at the historical and cultural development and significance of Greifswald.
It concludes that this small, rather unimportant and unknown city in north-eastern Germany might be the perfect example of a successful transformation with its historic, but renovated inner city, the cobblestoned streets with modern small shops, altogether with its particular 'nerdy', campus-like, and authentic feel.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Historical Development and Industrialization
3. Urban Transformation during the GDR era
4. Post-Unification and the Knowledge City
5. Social Challenges and Future Perspectives
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This essay aims to analyze urban development and social processes in the small, peripheral city of Greifswald, Germany, by applying concepts derived from studies on Gothenburg. It explores how a city transitions from an industrial hub to a knowledge-centered environment while examining the impact of historical architecture and modern urban planning on the local population.
- Comparison of urban development between Gothenburg and Greifswald
- The influence of industrialization and post-industrial transitions
- Social and architectural impacts of the Plattenbau housing policy
- The role of the university as a central economic and social anchor
- Challenges of gentrification and social inequality in education
Excerpt from the book
(re)searching Gothenburg: A Comparison to Greifswald
As stated in the book (re)searching Gothenburg the aim was to show that “general social processes can also be studied in smaller and peripheral cities, together with their unique aspects” (Holgersson et al., p 26) and to take that idea even one step further into the periphery of the world this essay is going to analyse a small, rather unimportant and unknown city in north-eastern Germany: the University and Hanseatic City of Greifswald.
Greifswald is situated in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, close to where the Ryck River empties into the Bay of Greifswald on the Baltic Sea. These conditions remind of historic Gothenburg’s geographical dates: located close to the sea in an “excellent natural port position” (Peterson, p 30), but protected by an uninhibited coastline, a little upstream the river, which played an important role as an economy channel.
Even though Greifswald is with its 55.000 residents much smaller than Gothenburg, it is much older. First mentioned in 1209 as a settlement with a market for the monastery Eldena nearby, it grew quickly in importance, got granted town privileges in 1250 by the Duke of Pomerania Wartislaw III and joined the Hanseatic League in 1278. Its historic centre with narrow cobblestone streets and brick houses is still existent and conveys a much different, more organic image than Gothenburg’s planned inner city, even though a similar grid system was used to erect the city.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the theoretical framework of studying social processes in peripheral cities and presents Greifswald as the case study for this comparison.
2. Historical Development and Industrialization: This section details the city’s origins as a Hanseatic town and its subsequent industrial growth in the 19th century, paralleling developments in Gothenburg.
3. Urban Transformation during the GDR era: The analysis focuses on the impact of GDR housing policies, the construction of Plattenbauten, and the attempts to restructure the historic city center.
4. Post-Unification and the Knowledge City: This chapter explores the transition to a knowledge-based economy and the role of the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University in shaping the modern city identity.
5. Social Challenges and Future Perspectives: The final chapter discusses issues like educational inequality, the impact of migration, and the future prospects of the city in the context of gentrification.
Keywords
Greifswald, Gothenburg, Urban Development, Plattenbau, Knowledge City, Industrialization, Hanseatic League, University, Social Processes, Urban Planning, Gentrification, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Comparative Study.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines social and urban processes in Greifswald, using the city of Gothenburg as a comparative mirror to understand how smaller, peripheral cities adapt to change.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include historical urban evolution, the shift from industrialization to a knowledge-based economy, housing policy impacts, and the social stratification of education.
What is the main research objective?
The goal is to determine if general social processes observed in larger cities are applicable to smaller, peripheral settings and to identify how such cities transform over time.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The author utilizes a comparative approach, contrasting the historical and social development of Greifswald with existing academic studies conducted on Gothenburg.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the medieval origins of Greifswald, its industrial growth, the socialist urban planning during the GDR period, and its modern development as a university city.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include urban development, knowledge city, Plattenbau, social processes, and comparative urban studies.
How does the GDR period influence the current city layout of Greifswald?
The GDR era introduced large-scale prefabricated housing (Plattenbauten) in the city's periphery, which significantly increased the population and altered the city's demographic and structural footprint.
Why is the university considered a vital element for Greifswald?
The university serves as a major employer and intellectual hub, defining the city’s identity and providing a buffer against economic downturns, similar to the role of research institutions in Gothenburg.
Does the author believe that gentrification is a negative development?
The author views change as inevitable, acknowledging that while gentrification poses challenges, it also fosters the necessary adaptation for a small city to remain competitive and attractive to the "Creative Class."
- Citar trabajo
- Lisa Gutman (Autor), 2014, (Re)searching Gothenburg. The Post-industrial City, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/349144
