"City in the Minds of its Inhabitants": the Work of F. Znaniecki in the Context of Elaboration of Sociological Urban Identity Concept

Abstract

The article deals with the work of F. Znaniecki «City in the minds of its inhabitants». The importance of the necessity of developing the sociological concept of urban identity, which is becoming more actual one in modern circumstances, is argued. This previously little-known work is one of the few classical sources, which directly raises the question of urban identity, and its content provides the material for the formulation of important theoretical positions. On the basis of F. Znaniecki work the following conclusions can be made. Urban identity includes different ways of identification (unconscious identification and conscious choice). Urban identity has traits both of “contact” (“primary”) and “secondary” groups.