Book Review

Book Review: Experiencing Cities- Chapter 3: The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Urban Sociology
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Book Review: Experiencing Cities- Chapter 3: The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Urban Sociology
The book Experiencing Cities was written by Mark Hutter and published by Routledge Company in 2015. Hutter, a social scientist, focuses his work on urban sociology and city life experience. The author explains the wide range of urban structures as well as processes and their impact on the lives of people living in the cities. In chapter three, Hutter discusses the evolution from agriculture to industrialization and the rise of European cities during the nineteenth century. The chapter further highlights the changes that occurred not only at work and but also in family structures due to evolution in gender roles and the rise of urban cities.
Major Themes and Key Concepts
Industrial Revolution
According to Hutter (2015), the historical development of European cities in the 1800s was as a result of technological and social innovations which aided the production of steam engines, automatic weaving machines, and cotton gin. These technologies caused the mass production of goods, fast transportation, and heightened production in the agricultural sector. Notably, industrial revolution adversely affected the lives of individuals since it promoted urbanization as people moved to the developing towns to search for better living conditions and a source of income.

It also introduced child labor, poverty, domestic abuse, prostitution, family desertions, and illegitimacy (Hutter, 2015). Therefore, industrial revolution did not only contribute to the rapid growth of cities in European countries but also paved the way for social problems such as family desertion, child labor, and poverty which created social inequality.
The Concept of Shock City
Hutter (2015) uses the phrase “shock city” to refer to a city that existed within a specific historical period and which symbolized both the greatness of its advancement and growth as well as the challenges the development caused to the economy, environment, politics and social lives of people. In this book, Manchester was a shock city during the era of industrial revolution in Europe. In 1775, Manchester had a population of 24,000. The number had increased to 70,000 by 1801. The city had over 250,000 individuals in 75 years. Evidently, the rapid growth of the city had positive consequences such as being the center of civilization, technological advancement, and improved living standards. Nevertheless, Manchester also led to the rise of environmental pollution due to inappropriate disposal of waste products and the establishment of substandard housing structures due to poverty. The shock city, therefore, encouraged the segregation between the middle and upper bourgeoisie.
The Concept of Ideal Type
Hutter (2015) uses the concept of ideal type to analyze a social phenomenon of community and interpersonal relationships. It is an analytically constructed model from observation of a social phenomenon under investigation which emphasizes its main characteristics. Ideal types are essential in social science because they help in the comparative study of institutions such as cities over time. In this chapter, Hutter (2015) uses ideal type to study the phenomena of interpersonal relationships with a focus on community, work, personal and family involvements.
Historical Connection with Today’s Urban City Problems
In both the developed and developing countries, overpopulation in cities has led to extensive environmental pollution and degradation, a rise in the number of substandard housings occupied by people living below poverty line and overdependence on the limited available resources (Poredoš, 2011). Notably, it is in these cities that families are separating due to harsh economies, social problems and family ties are weakening by the day. As Hutter (2015) explains in his book, industrial revolution led to the rapid rise of urban cities which was both beneficial and problematic to the society. The creation of employment in industries segregated high and low-income earners. It also promoted capitalism which has further created a division in the community. The upper class lives in a clean environment while the lower class live in places with poor sanitation and terrible living conditions.
Diversity in Thought
In this chapter, Hutter (2015) uses the work of other scholars in the field of sociology to support his arguments. For instance, he cites the work of the theorist, Robert Nisbet, to support his concept of ideal type. Nisbet noted that pervasive disharmony, as well as disorders, were dominant during the nineteenth century. He also uses the work of urbanists such as stone Yoels, and Karp to support Nisbet’s idea on the significant transformation of social bonds. The chapter also uses the work of British sociologists such Henry Maine and Ferdinand Tonnies as well as a German theorist, Max Weber, to discuss dynamism in the nature of community relationships. Hutter (2015) uses the work of other scholars to support his arguments and increase the credibility of his work.
Critical Feedback on the Chapter
Hutter does excellent work in describing the industrial revolution and its impact on the social and economic lives of the people. He focuses on explaining the social problems brought about by the growth of cities, especially in communities and families. He conducts an in-depth discussion of the city life and its inhabitants. The work is well arranged, and the author even uses the work of other scholars and theorists to support his ideologies. Additionally, the author discusses many relevant topics in this chapter categorically to enhance the readers’ understanding. He even uses a table to present a summary of the information. This approach provides detailed historical data that convince and enhance the reader’s understanding.
References
Hutter, M. (2015). The industrial revolution and the rise of urban sociology. In experiencing cities. London: Routledge.
Poredoš, K. (2011). Sustainable cities–response to urban environmental problems. Dela, 36, 25-48.