It is not an easy task to provide a definition of urban space because such a

definition must consider the social parameters of its constituent parts: urban and
space. The difficulty of defining urban space is enhanced if one considers that
urban space is an artifact of urbanization � a social process that describes the
manner in which cities grow and societies become more complex. For example, a
synergistic perspective of space situates the location of ��urban�� as an outcome
of social and institutional forces associated with urbanization. In contrast, a
structural perspective of space identifies ��urban�� as the product of social
structures and relationships that typify urbanization. Combining the synergistic
and structural perspectives results in the identification of social features
associated with urban space: (1) diversity of social roles and relationships, and
(2) institutional arrangements and social networks necessary for efficient social
order. No matter which perspective one adopts, one thing is clear: urban space is a
dynamic aspect of urbanization. Urban space involves synergistic and structural
aspects.

From a synergistic perspective, urbanization is fueled by population growth and

institutional expansion. In a simplistic scenario, in order for urbanization to
occur, people must come together in large enough numbers that they are situated in
a space that makes them noticeably different from less populated human groupings.
In addition, the social diversity of the people situated in the same space promotes
a form of social interaction characterized by formal role relationships rather than
intimate or informal (e.g., familial) role relationships. That is, as a population
increases its numbers within the same space it becomes necessary for the
maintenance of social order that diversity within the population be characterized
by formal role relationships (Gesellschaft) rather than informal role relations
(Gemeinschaft). One might say that a distinction emerges between highly populated
space (urban) and less populated space (rural).

The aggregation of people within the same space serves as a social force that
brings together persons with diverse lifestyles and work ethics. In most cases
people migrated to the same space because of shared interests or shared
expectations regarding lifestyles and work ethics. Interestingly, social contact
between persons in the population sharing the same space enhances the social
diversity of the population by increasing familiarity with different lifestyles and
work ethics. In turn, the diversity of lifestyles and work ethics necessitates the
development of institutional structures for their expression; for example, churches
for religious expression and a labor market for demonstrating a work ethic.

At the institutional level, situating a large number of persons with a diversity of

lifestyles and work ethics within the same space required the centralization of
social life. The dynamic aspect of increased social contact between persons
required the development of formal relationships between persons and institutions.
For persons situated within the same space to be able to express their lifestyle
and work ethic in an efficient manner required the formation of institutional
structures for the performance of diverse lifestyles and work ethics. In
particular, centralization was necessary for the efficient operation of
institutional structures focused on coordinating the delivery of services vital to
the expression of lifestyles and work ethics.