The chapter goes on to discuss the major trends affecting all cities in the twenty-first century. Soja insistently adds a third term, spatiality, and argues that every aspect of human life is simultaneously social, historical, and spatial. Western social thought is seen as deeply shaped by social historicism and a bicameral logic focused on sociality and historicality.
First, Soja discusses his critical spatial perspective, summarizing key ideas from Postmodern Geographies, Thirdspace, and Postmetropolis. This is a transitional chapter that removes the primary focus from Los Angeles.