Abstract
Market towns are identifiable as communities distinct from cities and villages. They are distinguished by mixed populations engaged in concurrent occupations, with industry adapted to market conditions, moderately developed organisations, cultural choice, infrastructure and with a single centre. They serve important intermediary functions between cities and villages. Historically they have evolved in three stages from country fairs to being market centres and now are part of a coordinated social settlement system. Contrary to other views, the market town is to be seen as an entity in its own right and not a transitory phenomenon. As such it is properly the subject of a distinct subdiscipline of sociology which can as other disciplines contribute to the field of `markettown-ology'. Present study requirements include establishing theoretical and comparative research, developing a dynamic model of the market town settlement system and contributing to management, policy preparation and forecasting.
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