Understanding Contexts and Power Relations in Collaborative Planning in China

Abstract

While collaborative planning theory has been criticized for overlooking contexts and power differentials, few studies clarify what “context” means and why it matters for power. This study develops a conceptual framework to understand contexts and power relations in collaborative planning by bridging insights from planning literature, public administration, and political science. This framework is validated through an analysis of China's collaborative planning practices. The findings highlight how diverse institutional and local contexts significantly shape power dynamics among governments, private sectors, civil society, planners, and other actors. This leads to the heterogeneous nature of collaborative planning practices in China.