Social And Economic Issues Associated With Urbanisation

Question 1

Cities are facing economic inequality

Answer 1

Economic inequality is the unequal distribution of money amongst the population. Economic inequalities are higher in the developing world in developed countries. This is because many developing countries lack the resources to support their poorest citizens where is most developed nations well first dates which provide basic services and income for people who are struggling financially. Economic inequality can cause lots of issues for cities such as political and social unrest a rise in crime drug use and violence and health problems.

Question 2

Positives of cities being culturally diverse

Answer 2

Cities tend to be culturally diverse. They have a mix of people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This can have lots of benefits such as enriching a cities character, increasing tolerance and cultural events and ethnic quarters that attract tourists and boost the economy.

Question 3

Negatives of cities being culturally diverse

Answer 3

Culturally diverse cities can cause problems in cities such as tensions between different groups which sometimes leads to violence. Increase pressure on services such as schools may need extra staff for people who can’t speak the native language. Minority communities can feel isolated and under represented politically. Cities with high diversity also experience social segregation so people from a particular background are concentrated in a specific area or city. This can be voluntary or forced.

Question 4

Issues that social segregation causes in urban areas

Answer 4

Lack of integration between different groups can cause prejudice and discrimination
People in some areas may have less access to education and jobs widening inequalities
Can lead to anxiety and have negative impacts on health and life expectancy
Poorer areas may lack access to facilities

Question 5

Strategies to reduce poverty and economic inequality

Answer 5

Improving transport systems can make it easier for the urban poor to access jobs
Subsidising the construction of affordable housing can help less wealthy buy property
Introducing minimum wages
Governments can offer subsidies for new companies increasing local employment
Upgrading programmes for slum settlements

Question 6

Strategies to encourage social and cultural integration

Answer 6

Governments can encourage political participation of minority groups eg by sending postcards
Governments can pass laws eg preventing discrimination against employees on race
Newer developments can include luxury and lower cost housing to reduce the divide between rich and poor
Communities can ease racial tensions

Question 7

London’s social and economic issues - CASE STUDY

Answer 7

London is home to some of the richest and poorest people in the UK - the gap has widened since the 1980s.

The average annual income in Kensington and Chelsea is more than £130 000 but in Newham it is less than £35 000. More than 25% of London live in poverty.

Cultural diversity differes across boroughs in London where more than 50% are not White British this is 60% in Brent but only 16% in Havering suggesting economic segregation is an issue.

Hate crime is an issue with over 800 anti muslim incidents in the 12 months before July 2015.

Gentrified areas eg Nitting Hill has forced poorer residents out.

London residents have less interaction with people of different ages and classes than people anywhere else in the UK - could lead to people feeling isolated.