Urbanism, Race, and Anomia

Abstract

The variables most emphasized in relation to anomia have been (1) urban residence and (2) position in the social structure. However, empirical studies testing these hypotheses have relied primarily on white samples. This study, using both white and Negro samples, suggests that for whites position in the social structure is more closely related to high anomia than is urban residence, although urban residence and low status have an additive effect. For Negroes, however, anomia is high for both small-town residents and lower-class urban Negroes. But high position in the social structure plus urban residence reduces anomia.