Question 1

Which province or territory in Canada has the highest proportion of its population living in rural areas?

Accepted Answer

Nunavut has the highest proportion of its population living in rural areas due to its vast, sparsely populated land and small, scattered communities.

Question 2

According to the textbook,which of the following was the concentric zone model most applicable to at the beginning of the twentieth century?

Accepted Answer

The concentric zone model was most applicable to America's industrial cities, such as Chicago and Detroit, at the beginning of the twentieth century. These cities were experiencing rapid growth and were characterized by distinct zones based on socioeconomic status and ethnicity. The model was developed based on observations of these cities and their patterns of growth and development.

Question 3

In the postmodern city,many different ethnic groups and subcultures with differing lifestyles are tolerated.According to sociologists,which of the following concepts reflects this reality?

Accepted Answer

Fragmentation refers to the diversity and decentralization of urban life, which allows for different groups to coexist and maintain their own unique identities and cultures. This concept accurately reflects the reality of the postmodern city and its tolerance for various ethnic groups and subcultures. Privatization refers to the transfer of public services to private entities, gentrification refers to the process of middle-class residents moving into working-class neighborhoods and driving up property values, and globalization refers to the interconnectedness of the world through technology, trade, and culture. While some of these concepts may be relevant to the postmodern city, they do not specifically address the coexistence of different ethnic groups and subcultures.

Question 4

A local real estate developer and group of investor use media to put pressure on a local politician to see that certain urban properties come up for public sale.What would Logan and Molotch call this group?

Accepted Answer

According to Logan and Molotch, a growth coalition is a group of actors with significant control over the allocation of resources in an urban area that seeks to expand the local economy and increase property values. In this scenario, the real estate developer and group of investors could be seen as a growth coalition because they are using media to pressure a local politician to make certain urban properties available for public sale, indicating their interest in expanding the local economy through real estate development.

Question 5

Brazil is characterized by more inequality of wealth than any other country in the world.This stark inequality is highly observable in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Accepted Answer

According to the World Bank, Brazil has one of the highest levels of income inequality in the world and this is particularly evident in cities like Rio de Janeiro.

Question 6

According to the textbook,which of the following most powerfully shapes the postmodern city?

Accepted Answer

Globalization most powerfully shapes the postmodern city by influencing economic, cultural, and social dynamics on a global scale, leading to changes in urban development, architecture, and the cultural landscape.

Question 7

Ontario's 401 highway system and the Queen Elizabeth Way have multiple areas that are characterized by strip malls,entertainment businesses,and office complexes.What would sociologists call these areas beside major highways?

Accepted Answer

These areas are commonly referred to as "edge cities," which are sprawling suburban areas that emerged on the outskirts of major cities and are characterized by a mix of businesses, residential areas, and shopping centers.

Question 8

Sebastian's restaurant is hosting an Oscar Night party where people who have purchased tickets will have to match the buffet of foods and drinks served to particular films nominated for the Oscar.What does John Hannigan call this aspect of life in the postmodern city?

Accepted Answer

John Hannigan calls this aspect of life in the postmodern city "eatertainment".

Question 9

Newlyweds Ray and Esmé are spending their wedding night in a theme room at a hotel at the West Edmonton Mall.The following day,while they are looking for things to outfit their new marital home,they are also planning to ride the mall's rollercoaster and use the water park.What does John Hannigan call this aspect of life in the postmodern city?

Accepted Answer

John Hannigan refers to this aspect of life in the postmodern city as "shoppertainment," which involves combining shopping with entertainment activities such as riding a rollercoaster or visiting a water park.

Question 10

A neighbourhood park in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver has recently been bought by a wealthy real estate developer.According to new urban sociologists,which of the following most likely characterizes the city park?

Accepted Answer

The fact that the park has been bought by a wealthy real estate developer implies that it has become a commodity, or something that can be bought and sold for profit.

Question 11

What was the largest city in Canada in 2006?

Accepted Answer

According to the 2006 Canadian census, Toronto had a population of 2,503,281, making it the largest city in Canada at that time. Winnipeg had a population of 633,451, Montreal had 1,620,693, and Vancouver had 578,041.

Question 12

How are class divisions maintained in postmodern cities?

Accepted Answer

The privatization of public space is a way in which class divisions are maintained in postmodern cities. This allows those who can afford access to these private spaces to have exclusivity, while those who cannot are left with limited public spaces. Urban sprawl and physical separation of suburbs from inner cities also contribute to class divisions, but they are not unique to postmodern cities. Globalized theme cities may contribute to class divisions, but it is not a widely recognized method of maintaining class divisions in postmodern cities.

Question 13

Rita and her family are thrilled to have bought a house in a clean,quiet neighbourhood.The neighbourhood,which is outside the downtown core,has fairly uniform single family housing,and has a water park and outdoor basketball court for children to play at.What term do sociologists use to describe this way of life?

Accepted Answer

The description fits that of a typical suburban neighbourhood, which is characterized by single-family housing, a relatively clean and quiet environment, and amenities such as parks and playgrounds. Other options such as urbanism (which typically refers to large cities and their associated lifestyle) or gentrification (which involves the revitalization of neglected urban areas) do not quite fit the given scenario. Postmodernism, while a relevant term in sociology, is not specifically applicable to this situation.

Question 14

What problem did the new urban sociology aim to correct?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What problem did the new urban sociology...

Question 15

Karl takes his children to Science World every month because they are fascinated by the fun and interactive exhibit of the month.This month they will experience simulations of various natural disasters.What does John Hannigan call this aspect of life in the postmodern city?

Accepted Answer

John Hannigan refers to this blending of education and entertainment as "edutainment," which is a characteristic of life in postmodern cities where learning and fun are combined in interactive experiences.

Question 16

What was the largest city in Canada in 1901?

Accepted Answer

In 1901, Montreal was the largest city in Canada with a population of 267,730. Toronto was the second largest with a population of 208,040. Winnipeg was the third largest with a population of 42,340 and Vancouver was the eighth largest with a population of 26,133.

Question 17

Which of the following groups believe that urban settings are spaces where commodified social relations occur?

Accepted Answer

The new urban sociologists argue that urban settings are spaces where social relations are commodified, meaning that they are turned into marketable products or services. This perspective emphasizes the role of capitalism and consumerism in shaping urban life. The Chicago School, on the other hand, focused on the social organization of cities and the ways in which social structures and norms emerge in urban spaces. Economic geographers study the spatial distribution of economic activities and the ways in which economic processes are influenced by geographic factors. Urban deconstructionists question the assumptions and categories used to analyze and describe urban spaces, with a focus on the ways in which power and ideology shape urban discourse.

Question 18

Laval is a city located in southwestern Quebec that is connected to Montreal.How would sociologists classify Laval?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists would classify Laval as an edge city. An edge city is a suburban area that has developed its own economic and cultural identity, and is connected to a larger city by highways or other transportation infrastructure. Laval fits this definition, as it is a suburb of Montreal and has its own economy, cultural institutions, and transportation network that links it to Montreal.

Question 19

Like many other middle-class people,Sharon bought a house in great need of repair for very little money in the Four Corners district of Toronto.As soon as she renovated the house and turned it into a bed-and-breakfast,she demanded that local government and the police remove the homeless people who still live in the area.What has Sharon engaged in?

Accepted Answer

Sharon has engaged in gentrification, which is the process of renovating and improving a neighborhood or area, often resulting in higher property values and the displacement of lower-income residents. It is often criticized for pushing out long-time residents and cultural institutions.

Question 20

What did sociologist John Hannigan define as a "money-making machine"?

Accepted Answer

Sociologist John Hannigan defined the corporate city as a "money-making machine," as it is a centralized location for businesses and corporations, generating significant economic activity and profits. The suburbs, edge cities, and Census Metropolitan Areas may also play a role in generating economic activity, but Hannigan specifically referred to the corporate city as a money-making machine.

Quiz 20: Population and Urbanization