Abstract
While new modes of data processing have provided reams of data, there has been relatively less effort in seeking to comprehend the social meaning of results of empirical work. A set of previously developed indicators of urban social structure is here examined for its link to theory, and to the social structure of the city itself. The original indicators (size, social class, racial composition and community maturity) were empirically derived. In this paper, each is taken in turn, and explored with respect to several possible social meanings. Size, for example, is considered to be itself an indicator, and an imperfect one, for system complexity; percent non-white is seen to be itself an indicator for a slowdown in the mobility process, or a slower social metabolism. These and other results are suggestions, with illustrations, but not conclusive support, from other than the original data. While it is hoped that the theoretical suggestions may themselves be of interest, it is also hoped that approach itself can indicate the fertility and usefulness of going back to theory once empirical measures have been developed.
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Work on this paper was supported in part by a grant from the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies and by Grant No. CRD-425-C1-9 of the School and Rehabilitation Service, Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Work on some of the initial formulations was completed while the author was a Visiting Faculty Associate, Joint Center for Urban Studies of M.I.T. and Harvard University in the winter of 1974. David Street and Bernard Phillips made helpful comments on an earlier version of this paper. These several assistances are acknowledged with thanks.
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Tropman, J.E. The social meaning of social indicators. Soc Indic Res 3, 373–395 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00304121
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00304121