Urban Issues Flashcards
Define economic inequality?
Economic inequality is the unequal distribution of money amongst a population.
Why is economic inequality higher in developing worlds compared to developed world?
This is because many developing countries lack the resources to support their poorest citizens, whereas most developed nations have welfare states which provide basic services and income for people who are struggling financially.
Name three potential problems economic inequalities can cause in cities?
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.
List the benefits of ethnic diversity in a city?
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.
Name the three problems cultural diversity can cause within cities?
Tensions 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.
What is social segregation?
This is when different groups are separated from each other, poorer people or people from a particular ethnic background are concentrated in a specific area of the city.
Name three problems social segregation can cause in urban areas.
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.
Segregation can lead to anxiety and have a negative impacts on health and life expectancy.
In developing countries, poorer areas may lack access to facilities, e.g. electricity, clean water, public transport.
List 5 possible solutions to reduce poverty and economic inequality.
Improving transport systems can make it easier for the urban poor to access jobs.
Subsidising the construction of affordable housing can help less wealthy people to buy property.
Introducing minimum wages can help to stabilise wage inequalities between the poor and the rich.
Governments can offer subsidies for new companies, increasing local employment opportunities.
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.
List 5 possible strategies to encourage social and cultural integration?
Governments can encourage political participation of minority groups, by sending and text messages to encourage them to vote. This ensures minority groups have opportunities to influence decision making.
Governments can pass laws to prevent companies discriminating against employees on the basis of race.
New developments can include luxury homes and lower cost housing, reducing division between rich and poor.
Communities can help ease racial tensions, by involving different groups in projects to clean out racist growth.
What is the average income in Kensington and Chelsea in comparison to Newham?
The average annual income in Kensington and Chelsea is more than 130,000 but in Newham its less than 35,000.
What is the percentage of people living in London that live in poverty?
Low wages and few job opportunities in some areas mean that more than 25% of people in London live in poverty.
What has happened in Notting Hill?
The inner city areas of Notting Hill, have been gentrified which has forced poorer residents out of the area.
What is the percentage of the population of London that is not white British?
50%
Describe the ethnic diversity of boroughs such as Brent in comparison to Havering?
Proportions of ethnic minorities differ widely between boroughs - e.g. in Brent over 60% of people are not white British, whereas in Havering the proportion is only around 16%, suggesting that ethnic segregation is an issue.
Describe levels of hate crime in London?
Hate crime based on race and religion is a problem in London, in the twelve months before July 2015 there were over 800 anti Muslim incidents in the city.
