Final answer:
Gans critiques Wirth's analysis of the urban lifestyle as insufficiently complex, suggesting that a deeper understanding of various factors is essential. This includes the separation from the natural environment, the symbolic representation of urban spaces, and the need for an insider's perspective to truly understand urban living.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gans argues that Wirth's analysis of the urban lifestyle was incomplete or lacking certain perspectives. Wirth's analysis may not fully account for the complexities and cultural nuances of urban living. When considering urban lifestyle, it's important to acknowledge the varying factors that influence it, such as the natural environment, cultural biases, and economic conditions, as highlighted by the quoted texts. The urban lifestyle is affected by cultural changes, as in the case where urban dwellers are noted to have evolved cultures that regard the natural world as alien and threatening. Additionally, the modern issues of cyclical poverty and instability in housing are deeply implicated in shaping the urban lifestyle, as shown through Desmond's work in Milwaukee. Furthermore, the symbolic nature of certain urban landscapes, like the California Suburb, represents a specific ideal of the urban lifestyle. Lastly, researchers like Weber and Dilthey emphasize the need for verstehen, a deep understanding from an insider's perspective, to accurately observe and interpret the behaviors and lifestyle within an urban setting.