Sociology of cities

In this new basic textbook for urban sociology, Professor John Sirjamaki writes about cities not merely as separate units but as in-
tegral components of the national communities in which they exist and about the social and cultural changes they undergo within these larger entities. Applying a broad historical and cultural approach to his subject, he develops a consistent sociological theory of cities based upon a comparative analysis of the social order. While he concentrates on American cities as
most representative of the modern city, Professor Sirjamaki also explores cities of other cultures and other eras. The author first examines in detail the cities of Sum er, Mesopotamia, Rome, medieval and western Europe, and from this solid grounding in the past, he leads the student into a complete analysis of American cities from their beginnings to the present day. He discusses the specialized economic activities of these cities, their social groups, cultural activities, and the many services and functions they perform in the national community. He concludes with a fascinating examination of the relationship of the urban community to the national community, now and in the future.