The Future of Urban Sociology

Over the course of the 20th century, sociologists have made rich and diverse contributions to urban studies, from the Chicago School with their focus on urban ecology, to the ‘radicalism’ of New Urban Sociology emphasizing neo- Weberian and neo-Marxist approaches (Bulmer, 1984; Faberman, 1979; Saunders, 1986). In both phases, sociologists positioned themselves as prominent critics and reformists of urban society, intimately connected with the identification and resolution of endemic problems and social issues. The aim of this symposium is to explore whether recent years have seen a crisis in urban sociology and to build an understanding of future potential in the context of historical trajectory and current challenges. Such issues have been the subjects of much debate. For this reason, joint sessions of the British and American Sociological Associations in March and July 2001 were dedicated to the discussion of the role and future of urban sociology, from which this symposium draws its inspiration (Perry and Harding, 2002).