Sociological Aspects of Urban Gardens: Trends and Progress of Food Production in Cities

Abstract

In this paper we analyse some aspects of urban agriculture and argue for the significance of this topic for further sociological and related social research. We examine different types of urban agriculture as well as the factors contributing to its diversity. After a brief overview of historical development of urban agriculture, we discuss social characteristics and functions of various types of urban agriculture within urban society and space, such as their influence on food safety and food quality, the feeling of belonging and the integration of incomers into the community, and the reduction of crime rates and the increase of social capital. We also discuss some of the criticism against urban agriculture, as well as the lack of more in-depth research of this topic, and problems facing both those who practice urban agriculture and researchers who examine it. Finally, we look at some additional perspectives of food production in cities.