Preindustrial cities made social differences visually overt and legible

Evidence

Heterogeneity, per se, would appear to characterize city dwellers in all times and places. What is particularly interesting and peculiar about the heterogeneity of the preindustrial city’s populace is its overtness. Socially defined differences among persons were emphasized in costuming, in body markings, and in language. — Lyn H. Lofland, World of Strangers_ Order and Action in…, 235

Categorization

• XREF: Contrasts directly with modern urban anonymity where differences are concealed — grounds the reader’s book purpose comparing Lofland’s categorization of strangers against Cole’s psychic detachment.