The Significance of Membership in Associations

Abstract

In a medium-sized metropolitan area membership in voluntary associations is higher in the central city than in the fringe area. Frequency of membership in both areas varies with demographic characteristics. When standarized rates are computed, the lower fringe rate is found to be not due to demographic composition. Membership in associations is of some consequence in the affairs of the community, particularly in those having to do with the political unification of the area. In the fringe such organizations tend to be vehicles of opposition to that kind of cohesiveness in the community.