From a theoretical standpoint, the question has to be asked whether or not the census should retain its present definition of urban areas. There is a need for a more meaningful integration of the structural, institutional and demographic criteria, if the term is to hold substantive meaning. In this light, this paper proposes that a two-tier urban definition be employed. The old definition should be retained for trend analysis purposes while a new definition that incorporates socioeconomic purposes should be instituted.
