I’m in a class that is equivalent to intro to sociology. Right now, we are studying the city and how social order exists in what seems to be chaos. In the first reading, there are two quotes I wish to share.
In regard to towns whose economy is based on the exploitation of a resource:
“In any event, so long as such a community does not assume any other function in the larger ecological process, it cannot grow in population beyond a few thousand inhabitants.” 1
Finally, we have the industrial town:
“There is practically no limit to the size to which an industrial community may develop.” 1
Based on this, I think that, in order for space habitation to become a major part of human life, we will need space based manufacturing. Current moon base plans are focused on gaining the moon’s resources, thus the population will be limited. If we want a major human development on the moon, we will need to focus on the industrial use of the moon.
Summary
In order for space habitation to become a major part of human life, we need space based manufacturing.
Reactions
-Would a town in space develop in a similar way to towns on Earth?
Resources
1: McKenzie, R.D. “The Ecological Approach to the Study of the Human Community”. The American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 30, No. 3 (Nov., 1924), pp. 287-301
