Sociology and Spatial Development

Abstract

In recent years urban sociology has been more notable for its theoretical works, specialised research monographs and collections than for its output of textbooks. A number of books with urban sociology in their title (for example Dickens 1990) have offered a selective coverage of the field, but Saunders (1986) is the only comprehensive work. One problem in writing a textbook is undoubtedly that the boundaries of the field are hard to define. Urban geography, urban politics and urban sociology overlap considerably hence the idea that urban studies is more appro priate than any disciplinary label. The question 'is there an urban sociology' was first posed by Castells twenty five years ago, and Savage and Warde follow the tradition of writers on urban sociology who have responded to it by seeking to give the field a new direction. Whereas Saunders argued for a focus on consumption and Dickens for a return to the biotic emphasis of the Chicago School, Savage and Warde argue for a cultural direction in urban sociology (also drawing on the Chicago School). They do this by adopting two analytical starting points: capitalism and modernity. The authors set out their case in Chapters 5 and 6. The main part of the book reviews the development of urban sociology (chapter 2) and examines major bodies of writing (chapters 3, 4 and 7). The strongest chapters in the book are this last group of three which draw out the implications of capitalism (and patriarchy). Chapter 3 reviews the mostly geographical literature on the uneven development of cities distinguishing evolutionary theories, the New International Division of Labour thesis, Harvey's capital switching theory, Massey's restructuring theory, Regulation theory and the Californian school of geography. In each case the authors present an outline and critique of the arguments concerned. Although evolutionary theories are treated rather gently (given their vagueness about causal forces), the chapter provides an excellent overview of the debate on the dynamics of city growth and decline.