SOCA02H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Georg Simmel, Gemeinschaft And Gesellschaft, Urban Sociology
Document Summary
The relationship between spatial form and social structures is the main underlying question of urban sociology. Influence of space on social relations is assumed in urban planning. Main characteristics: material (form, density, size) and centrality. Influence of society on spatial forms: social structures and agency produce accommodating spatial forms (eg. industrial city) Much urban-sociological research does not really consider space: space may be incidental to research on both the city in society: and the society in the city. Cities are relatively large, densely populated permanent settlements in which most residents do not produce their own food. Cities depend on the surrounding areas, initially for food, then for market demand for manufactured goods, and finally for labour. Conflicts of interest between cities and surrounding areas (now including suburbs 416 vs. 905) Economic factors and political decisions influence urbanisation: growth in the proportion of the population living in cities. Explaining the rural and the urban toennies.