Urban change Flashcards
Economic change in cities
People are attracted from rural areas because of job opportunities and better wages
An increased urban population means businesses grow in size and become more profitable, leading to more jobs and wage rises.
Developed countries have more commercial farming so agricultural jobs decline, driving more people into towns and cities.
Social changes in cities
Higher standard of living - e.g. services
Cultural expression e.g. galleries and museums
Cultural and ethnic diversity - if people are tolerant more migrants will be attracted however segregation is common.
Technological changes in cities
Factories mean that urban areas are hotspots for technological advancement
e.g. In the 19th century, Manchester became the first industrialised city in the world and was branded ‘Cottonopolis’ because of its cotton processing factories.
and more recently areas with a large number of high-tech industries have emerged e.g. Silicon Valley California attracts people due to specialised and high paid jobs.
Political changes in cities
Inequalities - ‘working class’ is made up of people who work in manufacturing.
Political reform focuses on issues such as poor sanitation, housing and working conditions.
Changing demographic in cities
Larger and wealthier
Attract migrants - become more diverse and new areas emerge e.g. China Town
Younger populations - jobs and entertainment are attractive and many choose to stay and raise families in cities.
Deindustrialisation
In the 1960s, counties such as Singapore became industrialised. They produced cheaper goods due to labour costs and by the 1970s the developed world was struggling to compete with manufacturing.
Industries such as car manufacturing in Detroit and steel in Port Talbot collapsed, leading to unemployment and poverty.
In the UK, unemployment raised to the highest level since WWII in 1983 as a result.
Rise of the service economy
During the 1980s, many services such as retail and banking began to expand and dominate western economies. They have been responsible for economic growth since deindustrialisation.
Decentralisation
Land prices in city centres increase so shops and offices may relocate to the suburbs.
This has led to the rise of out of town retail parks such as Cribbs Causeway, Bristol.
City centre shops and offices have closed, leading to dereliction, job loss and urban poverty.
Regeneration schemes
Since 1979 there have been lots of schemes to improve cities in the UK. These include: Urban development corporations Enterprise zones City challenge Partnership schemes
Urban development corporations
1979-1990s
By 1979, UK city centres were in catastrophic decline so governments used private sector funding to restore derelict areas.
e.g. London docklands
By 1993 there were 12 UDCs helping to restore some of the most rundown areas of the country.
They were criticised for ignoring the needs of local residents.
London Docklands
1981
Aim: attract new businesses, improve the environment, create new jobs and build new houses.
24,000 new homes
85,000 new jobs
New schools, parks, and facilities such as sailing, water sports and Surrey Quays shopping centre.
Enterprise Zones
1981-present
Established in areas of high unemployment to attract start-up companies to the area to create jobs.
This was done by reducing taxes
By 1990, 5000 companies employing 125,000 people were housed.
HOWEVER low taxes meant the existing companies moved to these areas, bring their staff with them so limited the number of jobs created.
City Challenge
1991-1997
Local authorities competed for government funding to regenerate deprived areas - working with the local community and private companies to improved the physical, social and economic environment.
Funding was given to project that’s benefited the community.
50,000 jobs created and 40,000 houses improved, HOWEVER many areas didn’t receive any funding.
Partnership Schemes
2010-present
The government is working with private companies to provide financial support and expertise for urban regeneration.
Aim to improve the conditions of deprived areas
e.g. Liverpool
Liverpool regeneration
Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership was established in 2012 to increase business activity and create jobs.
