A Social Geography of the City

What are the real social processes & situations that lie behind the maps & census data of urban geographers? Ley brings behavioral & humanistic perspectives to the traditional analysis of urban land use & patterns. With the focus on the broad historical contexts & social interactions that define the urban experience & mold its patterns, he examines the geography of everyday life in the city -- with attention to the role of culture & values, informal social groups & urban institutions, & the politics & power relations of the city. Special emphasis is given to the quality of city life, including some provocative explanations for its geographic variations. Illustrated.