International Migrants & Segregation
- International migrants tend to cluster in distinctive places across cities (known as enclaves), such as:
- Russian oligarch families in Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Indian community in Hounslow, London
- The level of ethnic segregation varies and changes over time due to:
- Economic indicators e.g. income and employment
- Social indicators e.g. health, crime and education
Indicators Linked to Ethnic Segregation
Economic indicators | Social indicators |
Areas of deprivation and affluence can become inhabited by different ethnic groups
Language barriers and racial discrimination may reduce the chances of employment and earning a higher income International migrants are more likely to live in cheap, poor-quality housing, where there is less investment in healthcare and education Some ethnic groups experience high levels of deprivation |
Migrants feel more supported and protected when surrounded by people from the same culture Clustering of similar ethnicities can increase political power, leading to more influence in local decision-making Middle-income groups may leave an area (perhaps due to prejudice and racism) and leave behind a particular ethnic group, creating segregation Social hostility from the majority population |
Russian oligarchs in London
- London is one of the main capitals of the super-rich, including wealthy Russian oligarchs
- Russians have bought £1.5 billion worth of property in the UK since 2016
- There are an estimated 1,895 Russian-owned properties in London
- Eaton Square, an exclusive garden estate in Belgravia (London), is nicknamed "Red Square" because of its many wealthy Russian residents e.g. Roman Abramovich
- London is attractive to investors:
- Property prices can increase by 10% annually
- Before 2022, a £2 million investment allowed foreign investors to receive a visa, which offered residency to them and their families
- The British pound holds its value more consistently than the Russian rouble
- The Russian economy is volatile due to the Ukraine war and the economic sanctions placed on Russia
- Owning UK property gives investors access to bank accounts and private schools
Worked example
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.