Approaches to the definition of urban environment in sociological science

Despite the active use of the concept of urban environment in science, the system of its characteristics is complex and demonstrates the disordered fragmentation of definitions. The article discusses the main theoretical approaches to the sociological essence of the concept of the urban environment. Interpretations from the concepts of representatives of the main eras of development of urban sociology are highlighted. In particular, it is emphasized that representatives of the Chicago School perceive the urban environment as a subject of interaction with people, transforming and mutually influencing people. The importance of the structure of the urban environment as a tool for influencing people, their life in the city and themselves is described. More modern sociological concepts describe the urban environment as a type of capital and a source of monetary benefits, continuously acquiring more and more significant proportions, as well as an element of the sociocultural paradigm of perception of society and urban areas. Based on the considered theoretical principles and their features, the author’s classification of approaches is formed. In addition, the author provides the author’s definition of the sociological essence of the urban environment as created and controlled conditions that surround the individual in the city and have a reciprocal influence on the way of life of people and spheres of social activity, as well as manifested in the form of the existence of sets of urban zones.