Description:
The World of Cities is a concise theoretical and empirical introduction to urban sociology. In clear and engaging terms, the book surveys and critiques all the major theoretical perspectives in urban studies.
- Provides a concise introduction to urban sociology.
- Uses clear and engaging terms.
- Surveys the main theoretical models of urban studies.
- Includes empirical data on contemporary cities and neighborhoods, and the impact of the world economy on city life.
- Features a discussion of the current reconstructive efforts of educational, political, and business leaders to improve cities and maintain their civic culture.
Review Quotes: 'The World of Cities is an intellectually strong and up-to-date synthesis, one that should prove useful to both students and sophisticated analysts alike.' Harvey Molotch, University of California at Santa Barbara and New York University
'For the first time in recent US scholarship, Orum and Chen provide a deep and extended analysis of the importance of place in city development. Human beings value places as sacred sites with deep memories and legendary attachments, to be revisited even when catastrophes make this foolhardy. Dissatisfied with undemocratic development today, Orum and Chen provide a sage set of pro-active measures for creating much better urban places fostering human life and family.' Joe Feagin, University of Florida