Sociology & You

Chapter 16: Population and Urbanization

Student Web Activites

"Suburbanization and Decentralization"

Introduction
In this chapter you learned about the population processes, population trends, and the development and growth of modern cities. The shift from rural, agricultural societies to industrial, urban cities began with the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s. Unlike cities in the developing world, however, cities in the United States today are losing population, not gaining. Since 1950 the proportion of the United States' population living in the suburbs has more than doubled. In this activity you will take a closer look at the impact of suburbanization on the San Francisco Bay area and how New York City has developed over the years.

Web sites
Suburbanization and Decentralization
Read how the San Francisco Bay area has changed over the years and the population and employment trends involved in making these changes.

Big Apple History
See how New York City developed through highways and bridges at this PBS Web site.

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Activity
Use the information provided in the article and your own personal experiences to decide where you would rather reside: in the suburbs or the city. Make a list of the reasons for your choice and the factors which influenced you.