Global City: The Concept of Sassen's Definition

Saskia Sassen, a renowned sociologist, introduced the concept of 'global city' to describe urban centers that have become hubs for international trade, finance, and culture. In her work, Sassen explores how these cities experience social polarization, which refers to a widening gap between the top and bottom in the occupational hierarchy. This phenomenon is characterized by absolute income polarization, where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

Sassen's definition of global city highlights the significance of economic segregation and welfare policies in perpetuating income inequality. She argues that low-income groups are trapped and struggle to move up the social ladder due to these factors. Moreover, Sassen suggests that social polarization does not necessarily imply a complete breakdown of social cohesion, but rather a widening gap between the haves and have-nots.

A closer examination of Hong Kong, often regarded as an exemplar of a global city, reveals that it does not entirely fulfill Sassen's thesis. While income inequality is indeed a pressing issue in the territory, social polarization, as narrowly defined by Sassen, appears to be absent. This is because absolute income polarization, where the very poor and very rich are disconnected from each other, is not prevalent.

Instead, Hong Kong's occupational hierarchy has become increasingly polarized, with low-skilled and less-educated workers facing significant challenges in their career advancement. Esping-Andersen's concept of post-industrial stratification order provides valuable insights into this phenomenon, highlighting the rise of a new class structure characterized by precarious work arrangements and limited social mobility.

Sassen's definition of global city underscores the need to address the complexities of income inequality and occupational polarization in these urban centers. As cities continue to evolve into hubs for international trade and finance, it is essential to understand how economic segregation, welfare policies, and social structures contribute to widening income gaps. By examining Sassen's concept of global city, policymakers can develop targeted interventions to mitigate the effects of income polarization and promote greater social cohesion in these urban areas.

In conclusion, Sassen's definition of global city provides a valuable framework for understanding the dynamics of social polarization in economically advanced cities like Hong Kong. While the territory may not exhibit absolute income polarization, it is essential to acknowledge the persistent issues of occupational polarization and income inequality. By addressing these challenges, policymakers can work towards creating more equitable and inclusive urban environments that benefit all members of society.

Global city sassen definition