Trends in the development of Latin American metropolises in an era of globalization: the cases of Ciudad de México and Santiago de Chile

Abstract

In this article, researches on the impacts of globalization processes on the development of Latin American metropolises are presented. Firstly, as to the increase or reduction of urban primacy, no consistent trend can be observed, obviously urban primacy may rise or fall depending on the specific conditions of globalization. Secondly, research shows that the major cities in Latin America take on global city functions. They increasingly serve as a sort of hinges between regional and national production and the world market. Thirdly, the debate on the socio-spatial structure of Latin American cities is continued. Detailed empirical evidence proves that Mexico City is quite heterogeneous rather than being polarized into rich and poor sectors.

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