Cities and Urban Life

by John J. Macionis; Vincent N. Parrillo

Cities and Urban Life, authored by two of the best known textbook writers in the field, provides a comprehensive introduction to urban sociology, urban anthropology, and urban studies. Primarily sociological in approach, this book incorporates historical, social psychological, geographical, and anthropological insights. While strong in the classical urban sociology, it also gives extensive attention to the “new” political economy approach to urban studies. The text provides an introduction to the city, the history of cities and new trends, disciplinary perspectives, the anatomy of the city and the planning and evaluation of cities. For individuals interested in urban sociology, urban political economy and urban anthropology.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sociology, Anthropology, Textbooks

504 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a text book, it was decent. Some of it seemed a little scattered but it offered a nice introduction to urban life and the sociological theories offering explanations for why cities are how they are today, and a reflection into the past.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This textbook was required reading for a Sociology course.
I enjoyed learning some of the background on how cities have come to be established, and how the design has been based on what was important to the founding cultures.
There is also highlight information about some early urban sociologists. I use the term "highlight" because there were only glimpses into their thinking or studies based on the particular city being discussed, but a few caught my attention so I have ordered books on them or their works. And this is why I chose to study Urban Sociology - because I'm a geek about this particular area and will actually read textbooks for pleasure, not just because a professor requires it.

[Sha'Tisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thorough and easily understood introduction to urban affairs. Uses lots of case studies, which are great

[julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks for helping me pass my urban studies class!

[Matt Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting introduction to many concepts surrounding urban life and environments. While somewhat outdated (a lot of "by 2025..." statistics), it was still a very education book.