Books:
* The City as a Growth Machine: Power, Politics, and Property in Urban America (with John Logan, 1987): A classic work in urban sociology that argues that cities are often dominated by a "growth machine" of powerful actors who prioritize economic growth and development, even at the expense of residents and the environment.
* The Social Construction of Difference: The Impact of Geography and Place on the Dynamics of Culture (2007): This book examines how social differences are constructed and maintained through the interplay of geography, place, and culture.
* The Sociology of Culture: Culture and Power (2013): A comprehensive introduction to the sociology of culture, exploring key concepts such as culture, power, and the role of culture in shaping social life.
Articles:
* "The Human Ecology of Urban Space: A Critical Appraisal" (1972): This article critiques traditional ecological models of urban development and argues for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between people and the urban environment.
* "The Environmental Urbanism of Los Angeles: A Study in Symbolic Political Economy" (1985): This article analyzes the environmental issues and policies of Los Angeles, highlighting the role of power and ideology in shaping environmental outcomes.
* "The Power of Definitions: The Case of the "Social Problem" (2002): This article examines the role of social definitions in constructing and maintaining social problems, arguing that social problems are often the result of power struggles rather than objective realities.
Molotch's work has had a significant impact on urban studies, sociology of culture, and environmental sociology. He is known for his critical and insightful analysis of power dynamics, social constructions of difference, and the role of culture in shaping social life.