Abstract / Excerpt:

This dissertation is an investigation of the nature and spatial organization of society in Philippine provincial cities. It deals with urban groups and classes and how they have changed over time. The central perspective is a concern for social-spatial patterns: for uniformity and heterogeneity, broad ecological frames, and fine grained patterns of social coherence. A wide variety of social and economic data is also analyzed. First consideration is given to the Hispanic heritage of Philippine cities--to the imposition and spread of colonial forms derived from Mexico, to the stagnation of early provincial centers and the rise of Manila as a primate city, and to the new and sustained functional roles of provincial cities developed during the nineteenth century. Secondly, the historical development of three sample cities is traced. Chinese purveyors and craftsmen were central to the expanding economic base of provincial cities and town in the early twentieth century. They remain the largest alien minority in the country, although they comprise less than 10 percent of the urban population. In the last century the Chinese have had an important role in emergence of central commercial districts, and many have resided there, in their shops, by choice. More recently the opportunity to return to China with one's savings has been generally terminated. Consequently both the Philippine Chinese community and its spatial pattern have undergone significant change, the latter exhibiting a marked tendency towards decentralization.

Info

Source Institution	Syracuse University
Unit	Social Science and Education
Authors	Doeppers, Daniel Frederick
Page Count	286
Place of Publication	New York City
Original Publication Date	March 1, 1971
Tags	Dissertations, Philippines, Sociology

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