Private Pleasure, Public Plight: American Metropolitan Community Life in Comparative Perspective

This is a social and cultural analysis of community life in metropolitan areas of three nations -- the United States, Sweden, and England. The author focuses on how environment and culture interact to shape human behavior. Despite their many similarities, the three societies offer remarkably contrasting urban forms, and thus provide a unique opportunity for comparative research. The findings suggest goals for urban community development in America that can help regain a sense of human scale and establish more meaningful face-to-face contact among urban dwellers.