Segregation & Change Over Time (Edexcel A Level Geography)

Using Figure 2 below, suggest one reason why recently-arrived Asians tend to live in the area indicated  

[3 marks]

IMAGE

A map showing ethnic segregation in part of Chicago, (USA) 

• A starter reason is required, which is then extended for a further two points
• The answer needs to be based on the map shown in the resource
• There should be a link to the resource in the answer
  • It doesn't have to be a direct quote or use of data
  • It could be an idea or example triggered by the map
• More than one reason cannot be credited

Answer:

Recently-arrived Asians will be attracted to this area in Chicago as there could be an existing cluster of Asian people there, including family members or friends, who can offer housing and economic opportunities in this inner-city area or the nearby CBD. This clustering means there also will be shared characteristics (e.g. language and belief systems), meaning new immigrants feel more supported. 

Explain how cultural diversity can change the built environment of an urban place

[4 marks]

• Aim to provide two ways cultural diversity can change the built environment, then either extend that point or provide an example with detail 

Answer:

As migrants from different ethnic and cultural groups move into an urban area, the urban landscape will change to cater to the migrant’s needs, such as the building of places of worship or signs written in the language of the migrants. For example, signs in the Southall tube station are written in Punjabi, where over 20,000 Indians live. Entrepreneurial migrants will set up new shops and businesses in the area to reflect the food and clothing from the migrant’s home environment. The migration of South Asian people into Rusholme (Manchester) in the 1950s led to the development of the Curry Mile, where there is an abundance of curry houses and South Asian supermarkets.

Explain the factors that may result in ethnically segregated communities 

[6 marks]

• Either develop two factors in greater detail, using examples to illustrate your ideas, or include a range of factors
• It is beneficial to incorporate historical perspectives in this answer, but as a geographer, you also need to offer an up-to-date comment too

Answer:

When first-generation immigrants move to an area, they are initially attracted to urban areas of low-cost housing as they often have little money and are in search of employment. These areas are usually located in the inner city, which leads to social clustering as migrants feel safer and more secure living in a place with other people who have shared characteristics. This need for safety is also exacerbated by the prejudice and discrimination the migrants may experience when they first arrive, such as the attacks on the Caribbean community that led to the Notting Hill riots in 1958. The need for safety and low-cost housing results in more ethnically segregated communities.

The social clustering of migrants can also increase ethnic segregation. For example, Southall, in West London, currently contains the largest Asian community in London. Over time, its urban landscape has changed to reflect this ethnic group. Now, the majority of shops (clothes, food and restaurants) on the main road of Southall cater to the Indian and Pakistani communities, and ten gurdwara temples were established to serve the 20,000 Sikhs living in the area. As a result, middle-income groups may leave an area (perhaps due to prejudice, racism or tension) and leave behind a particular ethnic group, creating further segregation. In 2011, only 6.3% of Southall Broadway’s residents were White British.