Khan p 281-290 Symbolic Interaction Theory of Cities

Symbolic Interactions Theory of Cities

• Cities are places where people have diverse ways of experiencing life, shaped by strong cultural values and different perspectives.
• People move to urban areas due to job opportunities, utilities, and services improved during the Industrial Revolution, as well as for education and healthcare.
• Pros of city life include diverse cultures and anonymity.
• Cons include crowding and a sense of belonging, leading people to form groups and communities based on shared interests.

Types of Urban Dwellers

• Cosmopolites: Drawn to cities for cultural benefits and convenience (e.g., students, artists, and intellectuals).
• Singles: Seeking partners, jobs, and entertainment.
• Deprived/Trapped: Unable to afford to leave the city due to poverty and lack of job opportunities (e.g., the unemployed, elderly, homeless).
• Ethnic Villages: Communities formed by people with similar cultural backgrounds.
• Urban Villages: Planned residential areas that combine work, residence, and recreation. These encourage biking and walking.

Suburbanization

• Suburbanization involves moving away from city centers to access larger homes, though commutes may be longer.
• Suburbs often develop their own economic centers, becoming independent from the city.
• Access to quality medical help in cities might be more convenient as well as access to jobs and cultural activities but not always more affordable.

Urban Decline

• Urban decline occurs when populations move out of city centers, leading to abandoned buildings, unemployment, and rising crime rates.
• Exurbs are prosperous areas outside city centers where people live and commute for work.

Urban Renewal

• Urban renewal involves revamping older city areas to improve quality of life and increase property value.
• Gentrification is the process of transforming neighborhoods through renewal projects, potentially displacing residents who cannot afford rising property prices.
• Rural rebound occurs when people leave urban areas to live in rural areas near their city for greater convenience while enjoying the freedom of rural life.

Population Dynamics

• Factors affecting population growth include fertility, migration, and mortality.
• Fertility refers to a population's ability to produce offspring.
• Migration involves people moving permanently to or from a region.
• Mortality refers to death rates.
• Population pyramids visually represent age and sex distribution in a population.

Demographic Transition

• Demographic transition is a model that tracks changes in birth and death rates over time.
• Stages include high birth and death rates (early), declining death rates and high birth rates (transitional), declining birth and death rates (industrial), and low birth and death rates (post-industrial).
• Factors influence population growth, including economic development, technology advances, and cultural values regarding family size.

Globalization Theories

• Globalization involves increased interconnectedness between countries through the exchange of money, information, and products.
• Globalization factors include international trade, advancements in transportation and communication.
• Globalization has economic and cultural impacts on nations involved.

Globalization and Transnational Corporations

• Transnational Corporations (TNCs) are companies operating in multiple countries, taking advantage of opportunities in different locations.
• TNCs often focus on cheap labor, and tax-free zones in countries.

Social Movements

• Social movements are groups of people working together for a shared cause.
• Relative Deprivation Theory suggests that movements often start due to a perceived difference between expectations and reality.
• Social movements aim for change in certain areas of society. Activist movements promote change, while regressive movements oppose changes.
• Groups may seek refugee, safety from issues in society or want to preserve status quo.