Toward a Sociology of Space: The Constrained Choice Model*

Traditional ecology has been criticized because of its failure to link ecological factors to microscopic social variables. That criticism has led to increasing interest in, but only limited theoretical development toward, an egocentric approach. The paper attempts to develop a rudimentary theory of micro ecology. It presumes that two elemental macro ecological variables, density and segregation, have significance for human interaction. These elemental factors set the probability for choice behavior in the city. To demonstrate this point a set of logically interrelated propositions is contructed. This theoretical structure is then used to develop a taxonomy of social areas that summarize the distinctive differences in the urban experience of sub area residents of the city.