Question

Compared to small towns, urban areas

a) are likely to have families with similar goals for socializing their children
b) have norms that are more homogenous
c) none of these
d) rely on formal rules and regulations to enforce behavior rather than informal norms

Answer 1

Urban areas differ from small towns as they rely more on formal rules and regulations to enforce behavior due to the diversity and number of residents, versus small towns where informal norms are more prevalent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is d) rely on formal rules and regulations to enforce behavior rather than informal norms:

In urban areas, the sheer number of people and the diversity of interactions necessitate a reliance on formal rules and regulations to maintain order. Unlike small towns or rural areas where personal relationships and informal norms can effectively dictate behavior, cities often require more structured systems to ensure cohesion and compliance among residents. As the urban population grows and becomes more diverse, the need for clear, enforceable rules becomes paramount to address the complexities of urban life.

Urban sociology acknowledges that people are socialized to behave in certain ways through family, peers, schools, workplaces, and media, but in cities, formal norms are especially critical in managing a large and varied populace. Regulations and laws are not only numerous but are enforced with varying degrees of strictness to ensure societal functionality in such dense environments.