Urban sociology is the sociological study of social life and human interaction in metropolitan areas. It is a normative discipline of sociology seeking to study the structures,processes,changes and problems of an urban area and by doing so providing inputs for planning and policy making.

Like most areas of sociology, urban sociologists use statisticial analysis, observation, social theory, interviews, and other methods to study a range of topics, including migration and demographic trends, economics, poverty, race relations, economic trends, and etc.

During the industrial revolution, sociologists such as Max Weber and Emile Durkheim focused on the increasing urbanization of social life and the effects it had on people's feelings of alienation and anonymity.

The Chicago School is a major influence in the study of urban sociology. Many of their findings have been refined or rejected, but the lasting impact of the Chicago School can still be found in today's teachings.

See also

• Important publications in urban sociology
• Rural sociology
• Urban culture
• Urban studies
• Urban tribe

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