Urban Issues Flashcards
What is economic inequality?
The unequal distribution of money across a population.
Why are economic inequalities higher in the developing world?
Many developing countries lack the resources to support the poorest citizens where as developed countries have welfare states that provide basic services and income for people struggling financially.
What issues can economic inequality cause?
-Political and social unrest
-Rise in crime
-Health problems
What is cultural diversity?
When cities have a wide range of people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
What are the benefits of cultural diversity in a city?
-Enrich city’s character
-Increase tolerance
-Cultural events attract tourists boosting city’s economy.
What are the issues of cultural diversity?
-Tensions between different groups sometimes lead to violence.
-Increased pressure on services. Eg: schools having to provide for children who can’t speak the native language.
-Minority communities can feel isolated and under represented politically.
What is social segregation?
When different groups are separated from each other and concentrate in a certain area in the city.
How can social segregation be voluntary?
Followers of a particular religion may choose to settle close to their place of worship or near family that has already settled.
How can social segregation be forced?
If social groups are met with hate they may be forced to settle on the outskirts of the city for their own safety.
What issues does social segregation cause?
-Lack of integration can cause prejudice and discrimination
-Some areas may have less access to education and jobs widening inequalities.
-Segregation can lead to anxiety.
-Poorer areas may lack access to facilities like clean water and electricity affecting health and well-being.
What are the 5 strategies to reduce poverty and economic inequalities in urban areas?
-Improving transport so poor can access jobs.
-Constructing affordable housing
-Introducing minimum wages
-Subsidies for new companies to increase local employment.
-(Developing countries) upgrading programmes to increase the quality of informal housing.
What are the 4 strategies to encourage social and cultural integration?
-Governments encourage political participation by encouraging minority groups to vote.
-Pass laws to prevent discrimination.
-New developments can integrate luxury housing and affordable housing.
-communities can ease racial tensions using social projects.
What is the example of urban issues in a developed country?
London
What is the gap between average income in different areas of London?
Chelsea= £130,000
Newham= £35,000
How many people live in poverty in London?
25%
Give an example of gentrification in London.
Many inner cities have been gentrified. For example, Nottinghill.
However the original residents have been forced out.
What is the cultural diversity of London?
50% is not white British people.
Give statistics to prove there is ethnic segregation in London.
Brent: 60% not white British.
Havering: 16% not white British.
Is hate crime an issue in London?
Yes
2022: 150,000 hate crime incidents.
What are the strategies to tackle social and economic issues in London?
-London living wage increased to £9.75 an hour.
-London mayor plans to build more affordable homes in London.
-Police are working to tackle hate crimes by increasing support for victims.
-Charities are offering English classes for immigrants to increase integration.
What is the example for urban issues in a developing country?
Sao Paolo
What is the economic inequality in Sao Paolo?
High:
Richest 10% make 40x more than the poorest 10%.
Where do the poorest live in Sao Paolo and what are the conditions like?
Poorest residents (80,000) live in slums where there are high crime rates, poor sanitation and outbreaks of cholera.
There is a lack of job opportunities and education.
What do the richest live in Sao Paolo and what are the conditions like?
Live in the south west (Vila Nova) which has more green space, better healthcare and housing.
Mainly white immigrants.
What are the strategies to tackle social and economic issues in Sao Paolo?
-2016 minimum wage increased by 12%.
-2001: New law that recognised favelas (slums) as legitimate residential areas which increased investment into sanitation and housing improvement.
-10,000 new homes currently being built to replace favelas in high-risk areas.
