Metropolitan Growth and Outer City Urbanization

Abstract

Recent metropolitan expansion in Japan has been characterized by the movement of a large volume of the Ur population to traditional agricultural communities outside the boundaries of the large cities. Effects of this are examined, including: (1) changes in population composition, (2) disruptions in the agricultural industry, (3) occupational changes for farmers, & (4) lack of satisfaction among former city dwellers with their new residential conditions. Serious conflicts over economic & residential issues have resulted. Social & structural changes in these communities are examined using social network analysis, & illustrated via a case example of a chokai community in Ichihara, Chiba. 2 Tables, 3 Figures. Modified HA