description Ernest Burgess Overview
Ernest Watson Burgess (1886-1966) was a Canadian-born American sociologist and a major figure in the Chicago school of sociology. At the University of Chicago, he studied urban growth, family life, delinquency, and social organization, often combining theory with empirical research. With Robert E. Park, he developed the concentric zone model, which represented the expanding industrial city as a series of zones organized around its commercial center.
help Ernest Burgess FAQ
What is Ernest Burgess famous for in sociology?
Ernest Burgess is best known as a major figure in the Chicago school of sociology, where he pioneered empirical studies of urban growth, family life, and delinquency. He co-developed the concentric zone model of urban structure with Robert E. Park, published in their 1925 book The City.
What university did Ernest Burgess work at?
Burgess spent his academic career at the University of Chicago, where he was a central member of the sociology department during its most influential period. He trained numerous graduate students who went on to shape American sociology.
What is the Burgess concentric zone model?
The concentric zone model, developed with Robert E. Park, describes urban areas as a series of rings radiating from a central business district, including zones of transition, working-class residences, residential suburbs, and commuter zones. It was one of the earliest theoretical models of urban spatial structure.
When did Ernest Burgess live and work?
Ernest Watson Burgess lived from 1886 to 1966, spending the bulk of his career at the University of Chicago from the 1910s through the 1940s. He was born in Canada before moving to the United States for his education and academic career.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
