Under the impetus of globalization, the city of emerging economies is experiencing profound changes that are affecting its social and spatial structure. However, this new scenario seems to have had little impact on critical thinking and related urban policies. This text looks at a number of issues urban research needs to address as a result of the trends many such cities are experiencing and the consequent shift from the social and spatial polarization of the past to a more composite pattern. The article aims to help bridge the gap that still exists between urban studies on the emerging city and planning theory.