Final answer:
Urban areas rely more on formal rules and regulations to regulate behavior, in contrast to smaller towns where informal norms and community actions are more prevalent. Urbanization leads to unique social behaviors in cities, with formal norms being necessary to accommodate the larger and more diverse populations. The correct answer is option: a) rely on formal rules and regulations to enforce behavior rather than informal norms
Step-by-step explanation:
Compared to small towns, urban areas are more likely to rely on formal rules and regulations to enforce behavior rather than informal norms. This is because formal norms, which include laws and written rules, are established to suit and serve larger populations, supporting social institutions such as the criminal justice system and public schools. In contrast, small towns often rely on informal norms and family-level enforcement, where customs and community actions work to correct behavior, reflecting the close-knit nature of these areas.
Urbanization and the growth of cities transform social relationships and behaviors. As cities grow, they provide a unique environment which yields its own brand of human behavior. Yet, these boundaries are not rigid as there is a continuum where rural and urban lifestyles can blend into each other. However, generally, once a population reaches a certain size, typically around 100,000 people, it behaves like a city regardless of its official designation.
In the study of urban sociology, cities can reflect universal human behavior but also hold unique interactions due to their size and complexity. The reliance on formal norms in urban areas contrasts with the informal community customs prevalent in rural settings, shaping different social behaviors and expectations.