Urban issues Flashcards
How do all cities face economic inequality?
1) Economic inequality is the unequal distribution of money amongst a population.
2) Economic inequalities are higher in the developing world than in developed countries. This is because many developing countries lack resources to support their poorest citizens, whereas most developed nations have states which provide basic services and income for people who are struggling financially.
Economic inequalities can cause a lot of issues in cities, for example:
> Political and social unrest e.g. rioting
> A rise in crime, drug use and violence
> Health problems, e.g. cities with higher levels of income inequality have more malnourished children.
How can a culturally diverse city be beneficial?
> This can have a lot of benefits- ethnic diversity can enrich a city’s character and increase tolerance, while cultural events and ethnic quarters within a city can attract tourists, boosting the city’s economy.
How can cultural diversity cause problems in cities?
> Tension between different groups, sometimes leading to violence.
Increased pressure on services e.g. schools may need extra staff for pupils who can’t speak the native language.
Minority communities can feel isolated and under-represented politically.
Cities with high diversity may also face social segregation (people are more separated from each other)
How can social segregation cause issues in urban areas?
> Lack of integration between different groups can use prejudice and discrimination.
> People in some areas may have less access to education and jobs, widening inequalities.
> Segregation can lead to anxiety and have negative impacts on health and life expectancy.
> In developing countries, poorer areas may lack access to facilities e.g. electricity, clean water, and public transport. They are also most likely to be near rubbish dumps, affecting health and well-being.
Name strategies to reduce poverty and economic inequalities in urban areas.
> Improving transport systems can make it easier for the urban poor to access jobs.
Collapsing the construction of affordable housing can help less wealthy people to afford to house.
> Introducing minimum wages can help to stabilise wage inequalities between the poor and the rich.
> In developing countries, many cities have introduced upgrading programmes for slum settlements. Investments in road building, sanitation, drainage and water supply increase the quality of informal housing.
Name strategies to encourage social and cultural integration.
> Governments encouraging the political participation of minority groups, e.g. by sending postcards and letters encouraging them to vote.
> Governments can pass laws e.g. to prevent companies from discriminating against employees on race.
> New developments can include luxury homes and lower-cost housing, reducing divisions between rich and poor.
> Communities can help ease racial tensions e.g. by involving different groups in projects to clean of racist graffiti.
