Employment trends from 1948-1963 were studied for all standard metropolitan statistical areas /smsa/ of 1 million population or more. Volume and proportion of employment in the central city and suburbs were analysed to forecast decentralization trends and to evaluate highway implications. Smsa were conformed to a constant geographical area over time, based on 1960 areas, a significant step in measuring trends more precisely. Types of employment, derived from the censuses of business and manufactures, were compared. Relative and absolute numbers of employees in manufacturing, selected services, and wholesale and retail trade were shown for smsa, central city, and ring. Employment trend analysis in these four industries showed rapid suburban growth and progressive relative employment decline in central cities. Annexations to central cities complicated analysis, as did failure of some central cities to report absolute employment increases.
Samenvatting