urban – relating to or concerned with a city or densely populated area; “urban sociology”; “urban development”

*****Social characteristics: *****

Themes involve various stereotypes. A number of them, for example, involve the usual myths of country people as seen by city-dwellers. Their perceptions usually deal with slow-talking folk lacking sophistication or the comforts of modern suburban living.

Country people, too, have their own stereotypical views of urbanites. Life in the city is often portrayed as a dangerous and impersonal rat race, with people made aggressive and even angry by traffic jams, pollution and shifty dealing.

Look at TV for a rich mine of information on stereotypes. A number of current TV shows are set in the country — farms and tourist resorts are popular, for example. Many more shows, though, feature urban settings.

*****development: *****

In your assignment use a location as your prime example. For instance:

In Asia there are both urban and rural communities. East Asian cities have very high-density populations, and the culture there has changed over time to accommodate the large population. In contrast, rural areas are more sparsely populated, and the culture there reflects a more traditional way of living.

Try covering answers to the following questions in your assignment and it should be quite easy to fill the pages.

* Where do people in urban and rural communities get their food?

* Do you think urban or rural people have more choices in markets, entertainment, and housing? Why?

* Do you think urban or rural people have to work harder to get their food? Why?

* What types of housing are available for urban and rural people? How expensive do you think each type of housing is?

* What are some advantages and disadvantages of having many or few neighbors?

* What types of recreation or forms of entertainment are available to urban and rural people?

* What types of jobs are available to urban and rural people? Where do you think they are likely to be paid more? Why?

* What types of services are available to urban and rural people?

* Do you think an urban or rural setting is more beautiful? Why?

* Do you think an urban or rural setting is healthier? Why?