ABSTRACT
The process of representation, as we have shown at various points in this book, is one that builds on culturally derived and endlessly reinforced sets of conventions. Nowhere is this more true than for representations of cities and urban life; subjects about which there are two, sharply polarised discourses. Throughout the ages there have been observers who have believed that city life is inherently beneficial or, at least, contained the conditions for human fulfilment. Equally, there have always been those who believe that the city offers a hostile environment for human life and, quite often, one that imposes severe costs on its residents. The conclusions reached largely depend on the initial values of the observer.
