Urban ethnography is an exciting area of sociology that allows people to study modern cities’ inhabitants in detail. The lifestyle of these people largely depends on their origin, work, and marital status. Exploring various aspects of urban life, Grazian (2011) described people’s nightlife as rich and not very moral. People who consider themselves “secular elite” are prone to aggressive and defiant actions. They diligently show their wealth and prove their superiority to others, called “urban hustle.” Thus, they assert themselves and defend their place in society.
Describing “sense of place,” the author writes about the relationship between people’s behavior and the place where they are. Getting into a particular atmosphere, people try to conform to the order established in it (Grazian, 2011). Sometimes this may not correspond to their more resonant personality characteristics. However, these inner transformations are necessary to satisfy the instinct of the need to be inscribed in the collective. For this reason, people follow the “rules of place” established in a particular society. For example, in one city, people can behave quite friendly, while they can organize a real power struggle in another. Therefore, to be successful, people need to understand and accept these rules.
Thus, life in a particular city obliges people to comply with the internal orders established in it. Indeed, even moving from one area of the city to another, it is crucial to understand how to behave. Sometimes this is necessary to avoid aggression from the residents. In other cases, it is essential for those who want to show and defend their social status. Hence, life in a particular city leaves a specific imprint on people, their way of thinking, and behavior.
Reference
Grazian, D. (2011). On the make: The hustle of urban nightlife. University of Chicago Press.