The Diverse Powers of Urban–Rural Linkages: A Growth-Critical Review

This article examines urban–rural linkages from a growth‐critical perspective to identify their diverse powers for ensuring sustainable futures. While urban–rural linkages are a well‐established object of study and have been considered from various perspectives, they have historically been viewed through a growth‐oriented lens, reinforcing binary thinking regarding the economy and society. We propose that a growth‐critical perspective on the economy can provide valuable insight into the societal impacts of economic activities induced by urban–rural linkages. To this end, we draw on Gibson‐Graham's (1997) and Lee's (2006) conceptualisations of the economy to critically engage with the literature on urban–rural linkages. We suggest three avenues for future research on urban–rural linkages: (1) discourses as drivers of change, (2) the integration of society and economy, and (3) power relations. Through this approach, we aim to bridge the gap between growth‐critical perspectives on the economy and research on urban–rural linkages, paving the way for future studies in the field.