The Growth Dilemma

The Growth Dilemma: Residents' Views and Local Population Change in the United States offers a comprehensive exploration of the social and individual impacts of population shifts across urban, suburban, and nonmetropolitan areas during a transformative period in American history. Drawing on data from national surveys conducted in the 1970s, the book examines residents' perceptions of local growth and decline, revealing the nuanced consequences of these changes on communities and personal well-being. It addresses the "growth dilemma," a term used to describe the challenges communities face when weighing the often unclear benefits and drawbacks of growth versus decline. With a focus on the sociological and practical implications of population patterns, the book delves into controversial questions about policy, land use, and governance while providing evidence-based insights into the effects of demographic changes. Structured to guide readers through both the theoretical and empirical dimensions of population change, The Growth Dilemma includes chapters that review historical trends, analyze survey data, and compare experiences across different community types. The final sections synthesize the findings, discuss their broader implications, and propose forward-looking strategies to address growth-related challenges. Author's reflections on growth controversies in diverse regions of the United States, coupled with rigorous academic research, create a nuanced perspective on this central issue in urban sociology. This book is an essential resource for those interested in understanding the interplay between population dynamics, community experiences, and public policy in shaping modern American life. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1981.