A theoretical-methodological approach to the study of urban growth: the periodization of the city of La Plata

The objective of this work is the development of a theoretical -methodological tool for understanding the expansion of cities based on periods of growth. From the perspective of critical geography, we seek to generate a conceptual instrument that provides a general framework for understanding urban studies. With the developed tool, the case of the city of La Plata is analyzed. The research is developed in four parts: i) the theoretical framework is built, highlighting the main categories that contribute to the study of urban periodization; ii) the analysis variables that determine periods of growth in Latin American cities are developed; iii) the process of urban growth of the district of La Plata since its foundation is investigated and; iv) final words are made as a reflection.