An Evaluation of Generation and Region as Urban Categories

This study identifies generational divisions among urban areas, investigates traditional regional divisions of Frostbelt/Sunbelt, and formally tests whether these divisions can be identified using contemporary socioeconomic variables. Contemporary urban areas are influenced by initial technological and cultural patterns. Cities formed in the 19th century are different than those formed in the 20th century. Urban generations, therefore, are defined as periods in history when particular urban areas first experienced substantial growth. Technological and cultural patterns also vary from region to region. The urban areas, therefore, also are classified regionally based on Gober's (1984) definition of Frostbelt and Sunbelt. The various classifications are all examined using analysis of covariance and discriminant analysis. The analysis of covariance demonstrates that generation and region significantly affected the study variables individually. In turn, the results of the discriminant analysis demonstrate that it is possible to discriminate generationally and regionally based on the study variables as a group.