Question 1

The area of study in which urbanists try to understand why people disperse within cities the way they do is called

Accepted Answer

Urban ecology is the field that studies the way in which people distribute themselves within urban areas, examining the social and environmental processes influencing those patterns.

Question 2

What city did Richard Henry Dana allude to in his classic Two Years Before the Mast?

Accepted Answer

In "Two Years Before the Mast," Richard Henry Dana describes his sea voyage from Boston to California, which at the time was a part of Mexico. While the book covers various locations, San Francisco is notably referenced as part of his journey along the California coast.

Question 3

While only 9% of the world's population lived in cities in 1900, approximately what percent will be city dwellers in 2050 if present trends continue?

Accepted Answer

According to projections by the United Nations, about 66% of the world's population is expected to be living in urban areas by 2050 if current trends continue.

Question 4

Early scholars of urbanization portrayed the city as

Accepted Answer

Early scholars often viewed cities as places where traditional community and family structures were at risk, emphasizing the potential dangers and social disruptions associated with urban life.

Question 5

Cities have been the dominant type of human settlement since 2000 B.C.E.

Accepted Answer

Cities have become more prominent in recent centuries, but for much of human history, the majority of people lived in rural areas, not in cities. The dominance of cities as the primary form of human settlement is a relatively recent development, particularly accelerating with the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Question 6

Cities are growing the fastest in the developing world. What is one negative consequence of this?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Cities are growing the fastest in the...

Question 7

The "anatomy" of modern North American cities has been characterized by declining population growth.Which of the following regions best illustrate this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The "anatomy" of modern North American cities...

Question 8

When did early sociologists begin to turn their attentions to cities?

Accepted Answer

Early sociologists began to focus on cities in the late 19th century, a period marked by rapid urbanization and industrialization, which brought profound social changes and challenges that were of great interest to sociologists.

Question 9

Early sociologists were pessimistic about the study of cities because city life was considered dangerous. More contemporary studies have shown this to be based on

Accepted Answer

More contemporary studies have shown that early pessimism about city life was based on false evidence, as they have often found that cities can also foster community, innovation, and social progress.

Question 10

The Industrial Revolution was seen by the first urban sociologists as an important factor influencing the character of urban life, and contributed to their relatively pessimistic evaluation of cities. Today, however, cities are viewed more neutrally.

Accepted Answer

The Industrial Revolution significantly altered urban life, leading early urban sociologists to view cities pessimistically due to issues like overcrowding and pollution. Over time, perspectives have evolved, and cities are now seen more neutrally, recognizing both their challenges and opportunities.

Question 11

Through emerging social structures, urban living is shaped by

Accepted Answer

The answer of Through emerging social structures, urban living is...

Question 12

Cities are inextricably connected to the larger societies of which they are a part, and have been the economic, political, and artistic core of various civilizations.

Accepted Answer

Cities have historically been centers of commerce, governance, and culture, reflecting and shaping the broader societal and civilizational contexts they belong to.

Question 13

Quality of urban life is indicated, in part, by

Accepted Answer

The answer of Quality of urban life is indicated, in...

Question 14

San Francisco, once known as Yerba Buena ("good herbs"), has always been an easygoing city.

Accepted Answer

San Francisco, originally named Yerba Buena, has experienced significant changes and challenges over time, including the Gold Rush era, earthquakes, and rapid urban development, which have shaped its dynamic and diverse character, not always reflecting an "easygoing" nature.

Question 15

Reactions to cities are highly personal and based in various social psychological perspectives.

Accepted Answer

People's reactions to cities are influenced by their personal experiences, backgrounds, and psychological factors, leading to a wide range of perceptions and feelings about urban environments.

Question 16

Demographers suggest that the growth of exurban regions far beyond the urbancoreresults from

Accepted Answer

The exodus of business and industry from central cities has led to the growth of exurban regions, as people seek to live in areas with more affordable housing and a lower cost of living.

Question 17

Although the human species has existed on Earth for at least 200,000 years, cities began to appear how many years ago?

Accepted Answer

Cities began to appear around 10,000 years ago, coinciding with the development of agriculture and the transition from nomadic to settled societies.

Question 18

The area of study in which urbanists try to understand why cities are located in particular places is called

Accepted Answer

Urban geography is the subfield of geography that deals with the study of cities and urban processes, including the reasons behind their locations, development, and spatial organization.

Question 19

Aristotle suggested people come to the city for security and remain to pursue "the good life."

Accepted Answer

Aristotle argued in his work "Politics" that humans are political animals who come together in cities initially for the sake of living (security), but stay together for the sake of living well (pursuing the good life), highlighting the importance of the city-state in achieving a virtuous and fulfilling life.

Question 20

According to Macionis and Parrillo, the most important consequence of decliningpopulation growth in central cities for the people who remain is

Accepted Answer

The most important consequence of declining population growth in central cities for the people who remain, according to Macionis and Parrillo, is less federal funding and political representation. This is because population figures are a key factor in determining the allocation of federal funds and the representation in political structures, so a declining population can lead to reduced resources and influence for those who stay.

Quiz 1: Exploring the City