Into the Third Millennium: Neocorporatism, the State and the Urban Planning Profession Nancy G. Marshall A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT IN FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA © Nancy G. Marshall 2000 PLEASE TYPE THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Project Report Sheet Surname or Family name: Marshall First name: Nancy Other name/s: Gaye Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: PhD School: Planning Faculty: Built Environment Title: Into the Third Millennium: Neocorporatism, the State and the Urban Planning Profession Abstract 350 words maximum (PLEASE TYPE) This thesis maintains that, far from being politically impartial bodies, as professional associations might suggest, professions as a whole are resolutely influenced in their activities by the political will of the times. At the beginning of the third millennium, this ‘will’ is described as neocorporatism, an ideology based on corporate structure and third sector co-governance. The research highlights the interrelationships between professions and ideology. A case study of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) demonstrates how this neocorporatist philosophy is having an impact on its power and legitimacy and, ultimately, its effect within Canadian society. An historical review demonstrates how the Canadian Institute of Planners has reacted to and reflected state ideology throughout its history. It is clear that the organisation has been in a submissive relationship with the state until recently, where we see the balance of power starting to shift. The CIP is currently reorganising itself to better integrate with the state and improve its government relations. Documentation tracks the CIP’s participation in national policy processes and shows that it is, in fact, becoming significantly more involved in policy-making through various federal government consultation and partnership initiatives. The Canadian Institute of Planners seems to rely solely on practical conjecture to inform its operational choices. My hermeneutical discourse analysis uses existing theory and empirical information to advance our understanding of the CIP and by implication, professions in general. This enlightenment can help direct the organisation’s strategy within the neocorporate state apparatus and, ultimately, enable it to gain power, legitimacy and greater influence within Canada’s policy- and decision-making spheres. Declaration relating to disposition of project report/thesis I am fully aware of the policy of the University relating to the retention and use of higher degree project reports and theses, namely that the University retains the copies submitted for examination and is free to allow them to be consulted or borrowed. Subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968, the University may issue a project report or thesis in whole or in part, in photostat or microfilm or other copying medium. I also authorise the publication by University Microfilms of a 350 word abstract in Dissertation Abstracts international (applicable to doctorates only). .............................................................. ............................................................. .............................................................. Signature Witness Date The University recognises that there may be exceptional circumstances requiring restrictions on copying or conditions on use. Requests for restriction for a period of up to 2 years must be made in writing to the Registrar. Requests for a longer period of restriction may be considered in exceptional circumstances if accompanied by a letter of support from the Supervisor or Head of School. Such requests must be submitted with the thesis/project report. FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Date of completion of requirements for Award: Registrar and Deputy Principal THIS SHEET IS TO BE GLUED TO THE INSIDE FRONT COVER OF THE THESIS ABSTRACT This thesis maintains that, far from being politically impartial bodies, as professional associations might suggest, professions as a whole are resolutely influenced in their activities by the political will of the times. At the beginning of the third millennium, this ‘will’ is described as neocorporatism, an ideology based on corporate structure and third sector co-governance. The research highlights the interrelationships between professions and ideology. A case study of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) demonstrates how this neocorporatist philosophy is having an impact on its power and legitimacy and, ultimately, its effect within Canadian society. An historical review demonstrates how the Canadian Institute of Planners has reacted to and reflected state ideology throughout its history. It is clear that the organisation has been in a submissive relationship with the state until recently, where we see the balance of power starting to shift. The CIP is currently reorganising itself to better integrate with the state and improve its government relations. Documentation tracks the CIP’s participation in national policy processes and shows that it is, in fact, becoming significantly more involved in policy-making through various federal government consultation and partnership initiatives. The Canadian Institute of Planners seems to rely solely on practical conjecture to inform its operational choices. My hermeneutical discourse analysis uses existing theory and empirical information to advance our understanding of the CIP and by implication, professions in general. This enlightenment can help direct the organisation’s strategy within the neocorporate state apparatus and, ultimately, enable it to gain power, legitimacy and greater influence within Canada’s policy- and decision-making spheres. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The completion of this Ph.D. offers me the opportunity to express heartfelt thanks to those individuals who have contributed to the success of this project. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to my direct Supervisor, Dr. Alexander (Sandy) Cuthbert, who continually challenged me to explore, think and push the bounds of critical analysis. I would also like to thank my Co-Supervisor, Dr. Susan Thompson, for her continued advice and support, personally and academically. I was financially supported through this degree with assistance from the Overseas Postgraduate Research Scholarship from the Australian federation, the Female Doctoral Studies Grant Program in Canada, and the Faculty of the Built Environment, University of New South Wales. Combined, this support enabled me to undertake this program of study, for which I am grateful. I would also like to extend my thanks to the staff and members of the Canadian Institute of Planners who were helpful to my research. They provided access to archival information and generously gave of their time to answer my many questions. My gratitude to my family and friends cannot be overstated. I am blessed with a close network of people who support me through all of my life experiences. I wish I was more eloquent in my acknowledgement of those near and far with whom I share my success: • My family – Bill and Elinor Marshall; Erin, Rex, Cade and McKenna Jones; and Billy, Teresa, Quinn and Matthew Marshall. • Sylvia Hunter and Sharon Stroick, for their love and friendship – Sylv for always looking over my left shoulder and sharing all of my adventures and SMS for teaching me that the journey is as important as the destination and for her relentless editing of this document. • Sue Paton, for giving me the love I have for Australia and for making my time studying in Sydney unforgettable. iii • My extended family and many friends (they know who they are), situated all over the world, for providing moral support and connection and who never let me believe I am alone in this world. • Kathleen Hatch for keeping me sane, Shirley Mitchell for always making me laugh, and Claire Wright for being my angel on earth – and for their support over the many years they have known me. • Rhonda Ferderber for sharing her expertise on this topic and for her reflections. • Ron and Hazel Paton, and John Stewart and Gay Arrand for ‘adopting me’ as one of their own. • My colleagues in the Faculty of the Built Environment, particularly Deborah van der Plaat, Carol Morrow, Cristina Martinez, Paul Hogben, Roxana Hafiz and Wendy Hoggard for their intellectual and personal support throughout my tenure at UNSW. The completion of this work is the end of one of my adventures and no doubt the start of yet another. N. Sydney, Australia July 2000 iv This thesis is dedicated to My Mom and Dad, My sister, Erin My brother, Billy You have been at my side since I started this life and, no matter how tough times get, you are always there for me with your unconditional love and support. I cannot express how important you are to me. v THESIS CONTENTS Title Page ................................................................................................. i Abstract ................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgments ................................................................................... iii Dedication ............................................................................................... v Table of Contents .................................................................................... vi List of Tables .........................................................................................