Chapter 15 Population and Urban Life The Demographic Transition Population and Social Structure: Two Examples Population Growth, Environment, and Poverty Population in the United States Urbanization Place of Residence and Social Relationships

The Demographic Transition Decline in mortality in the West was related to better nutrition and sanitation. Decline in fertility was probably related, for the most part, to changes in values and life styles.

Ghana: A Case Study The crude birth rate is about 34 and the crude death rate is around 10. Women who do not bear at least four children are not valued. Society cannot maintain schools, sanitation systems, or an adequate infrastructure under such great populations pressures.

Europe: Is Fertility Too Low? Four areas of concern: Fear of “population suicide.” Excess in the proportion of older people, involving increased expenses related to social services. Shortages in the labor force. Nationalistic fears related to low resources.

Population in the United States Fertility per woman is about 2.1. Most people who live to age 65 can expect to live another 15 or 20 years. Immigration accounts for an increase of about one million people per year.

Internal Migration in the U.S. Three trends: People are migrating from northern states into the Sunbelt states of the South. People are leaving the inner cities for the suburbs. People are moving to rural areas and small towns. 

Results of Internal Migration Urbanization of poverty as those left behind are more often economically disadvantaged. Declining tax base, especially in urban areas. Environmental hazards related to automobiles required for commuting from the suburbs to the urban cores.

Theories of Urban Growth Structural functional theory - urban development is seen as evolutionary and functional. Conflict perspective - finds nothing natural in urban growth and decline.

Theoretical Views of Urbanism Urban determinism - urban living leads to a breakdown of everyday life. Compositional model - neighborhoods within cities compose little worlds that have no particular ill effects.  Subcultural view - some communities require a critical mass found only in cities.

Suburban Problems Housing costs have escalated beyond the means of many would-be suburbanites. Weak governments are ineffective in dealing with ill-considered zoning regulations. Higher population densities are producing increased traffic congestion.

Suburban Problems Excessive dependency on automobiles. Social isolation and alienation may accompany the life of commuters who come home to housing that discourages interaction among neighbors.

Small Town and Rural Living 25% of Americans live in small towns or rural settings. Attracted by affordable housing, low crime rates, lots of open space, and a measure of freedom from the infamous “rat race.”