Which key sociological theory is relevant to urban studies?

Urban ecology is a key sociological theory that specifically addresses the relationship between individuals and their urban environments. This theory emphasizes the ways in which social, cultural, and economic factors interact with the physical characteristics of cities, thereby influencing human behavior, group dynamics, and community structures.

Urban ecology investigates how various social groups and organizations adapt to urban settings, examining issues such as population density, social stratification, and environmental impacts. It provides an analytical framework for understanding how urban areas function and develop, as well as how social relationships are shaped by the unique characteristics of urban life. This focus on the interconnectedness of people and their urban surroundings makes urban ecology particularly relevant to urban studies.

In contrast, the other options do not specifically focus on urban environments in the same way. Cultural relativism pertains to understanding cultural differences without judgment, sociobiology explores biological factors influencing social behaviors, and social contract theory discusses the theoretical origins of society and governance. Although these theories may have some relevance in broader sociological discussions, they do not center around the complexities and specifics of urban life like urban ecology does.