The Definition of Urban

Term Paper # 102980

Canadian Studies
Environmental Studies > Urban Issues
Geography

An examination of the definitions for "urban" as applicable to the city of Toronto.

1,101 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses possible definitions for the term "urban" as it is used in urban studies. The paper particularly focuses on the term in relation to Toronto. The paper shows how Canada has tried to solve the debate of the definition of "urban," by creating definitions based on population size and population density. It discusses the pros and cons of such a definition and provides examples to illustrate the points made.

From the Paper:

"The perfect example of this argument is the Dundas Square
in Toronto. This public space was built in response to economic, political and social relationships that had developed in that area of Toronto. As a result a physical space was constructed that was a symbolic representation of these relationships. After the space was built new social, economic and political relationships were established in and around this space. This included new businesses, a different use of the space itself and a number of other activities that did not occur in this area before Dundas Square was built."

Sample of Sources Used:

Harvey, David, "Safe Streets for Whom? Homeless Youth, Social Exclusion, and Criminal Victimization1" in Campbell, Scott and Fainstein, Susan(ed), Readings in Urban Theory, Blackwell Publishers, Malden, Massachusetts, 1999: 415-425.
Hiller, Harry H., Urban Canada, Oxford University Press, New York, 2005.
Skillington, Tracey, "The City as Text: Constructing Dublin's Identity Through Discourse on Transportation and Urban Re-Development in the Press" in The British Journal of Sociology, Vol.49, No.3, Sept.1998: 456-473.