HSTS 354 - Defining the City and the Urban/Rural Divide Studyguide

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards derived from the lecture notes of HSTS 354, covering key terms and concepts related to the definition and evolution of urban and rural spaces.

Urban

A space characterized by high population density and significant economic, social, and political complexity.

Rural

A geographic area that is situated outside towns and cities, often focused on agriculture and characterized by closer social ties.

Urban Revolution

A term coined by V. Gordon Childe to describe the transition from small, agrarian settlements to larger city-states marked by complex societal structures.

Neolithic Transition

The shift from foraging to farming that occurred approximately 10,000–5,000 BCE, leading to the establishment of permanent settlements.

Heterogeneity

The quality of being diverse in character or content, often used to describe the varied social structures in urban settings.

Agglomeration

The clustering of industries or people in a particular area, which can lead to increased economic efficiency and innovation.

State Capacity

The ability of a government to administer its territory effectively, including managing resources and addressing social issues.

Public Space

Areas accessible to everyone, often integral to community life, characterized by human-made structures and monuments.

Monumental Architecture

Large and impressive buildings or structures that serve as symbols of power or cultural significance in urban environments.

Energized Crowds

Dense gatherings of people in urban spaces that foster social interaction and collective activity.

Foraging

The act of searching for and gathering wild food resources, practiced by small bands prior to the advent of agriculture.

Agricultural Society

A society primarily based on farming and the cultivation of crops, which enables the development of larger and more complex communities.

Social Stratification

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals into social classes, often based on wealth, occupation, or education.

Fortifications

Defensive walls or structures built to protect a city or settlement from attack.

Brahmanism

An ancient Indian religion and social philosophy that emphasizes the importance of ritual and the role of priests.

Heterarchy

A system of organization that does not adhere to strict hierarchies; where various authorities exist and interact in overlapping ways.

Cultural Patterns

Distinctive behaviors, practices, and social norms that emerge within a specific cultural or historical context.