Introduction Urban sociology, as a branch of sociology, examines the social structures, processes, and relationships that shape life in cities and metropolitan regions. In North America, urban sociology holds a unique place because cities such as New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Mexico City have long been epicenters of industrial growth, migration, and cultural … Read more
Introduction Urban sociology, as a subfield of sociology, explores how human relationships, social institutions, and cultural patterns evolve within urban environments. With rapid technological advancements and the increasing integration of digital systems into urban infrastructure, a new form of urban life has emerged — the smart city. These cities, driven by data, connectivity, and automation, … Read more
Introduction on Urban Sociology in Asia Urban sociology examines the social structures, processes, and transformations within cities. Asia, as the most populous and rapidly urbanizing continent, presents a unique case study for urban sociologists. The region’s urbanization is marked by diversity—ranging from the hyper-modern cities of Japan and South Korea to the sprawling megacities of … Read more
Modernization and social change are two interconnected processes that have significantly shaped the trajectory of Indian society. Modernization refers to the process of social transformation whereby societies evolve from traditional, agrarian structures to industrialized, urbanized, and technologically advanced systems. Social change, on the other hand, encompasses the alterations in social structures, cultural norms, values, and … Read more
Urbanization is one of the defining phenomena of the modern era. As cities expand to accommodate growing populations, they face unprecedented challenges, with environmental pollution emerging as a critical concern. From toxic air quality to contaminated water systems, urban areas are often epicenters of ecological degradation. While scientific and technological analyses dominate discussions about pollution, … Read more
Child labour is a pervasive issue that has plagued societies for centuries, and its persistence in the modern era is a stark reminder of the inequalities and challenges that accompany urbanisation. Urbanisation, the process by which rural areas transform into urban centres, is often associated with economic growth, technological advancement, and improved living standards. However, … Read more
Urbanisation, the process by which rural areas transform into urban centers, has been a defining feature of modern society. While urbanisation has brought economic growth, technological advancements, and improved living standards for many, it has also given rise to significant social challenges. Among these, the emergence of slums and ghettos stands out as a stark … Read more
Urban India has witnessed a significant transformation in its social and spatial landscape over the past few decades, with the rise of gated communities becoming a defining feature of this change. These enclosed residential complexes, often equipped with modern amenities and security features, have become synonymous with the aspirations and lifestyles of the burgeoning middle … Read more
The informal sector in urban India plays a crucial role in the economy, employing millions of workers across diverse occupations such as street vending, construction, domestic work, waste recycling, and gig-based jobs. Despite its economic significance, the informal sector is often characterized by precarious working conditions, lack of social security, and marginalization. Sociologically, the informal … Read more
Urban sociology is a rich field that explores the evolution, structure, and dynamics of urban environments. One significant contribution to this field is the Multiple Nuclei Theory, a model introduced by Chauncy Harris and Edward Ullman in 1945. The theory redefined urban development and spatial organization by moving away from traditional monocentric models, such as … Read more