Key Terms: Urban Social & Economic Issues (AQA A Level Geography): Revision Note

Exam code: 7037

Bridgette Barrett

Written by: Bridgette Barrett

Reviewed by: Jacque Cartwright

Updated on

Urbanisation and inequalities - key terms

Cultural diversity – The presence of multiple ethnic, linguistic, or cultural groups within a city or country.

Economic inequality – Unequal distribution of wealth and income, often more severe in less developed economies lacking adequate welfare support.

Economic migrants – Individuals who move to a new area or country primarily for employment; may fill labour shortages but also face discrimination.

Ghettos – Areas where segregation is extreme, often occupied by minority groups with limited access to services and opportunities.

Health inequality – Uneven access to healthcare or health outcomes, often linked to income disparity or poor urban living conditions.

Housing inequality – Disparities in housing quality and ownership, with poorer residents often in rented, cramped, or substandard housing.

Multiculturalism – The coexistence of different cultures within one society; can be enriching but may also lead to social tensions.

Owner-occupier – A person who owns and lives in their property; more common among higher-income groups, influencing social mobility.

Segregation – The physical or social separation of different groups in urban areas, which may be voluntary or enforced by economic pressures.

Social class – A grouping of people based on income, education, and occupation; strongly affects access to urban services and opportunities.

Social inequality – Differences in wealth, education, healthcare, and access to services across social groups within cities.

Social sorting – The way people are distributed across urban spaces according to income, ethnicity, religion, or occupation.

Substandard housing – Poor-quality accommodation often inhabited by low-income populations in high-density urban areas.

Managing cultural diversity - key terms

Affordable housing – Housing priced within reach of low-income groups; used in new developments to reduce urban division.

Arts and culture initiatives – Shared community events that promote interaction and understanding among diverse groups.

Community support schemes – Projects aimed at reducing racial tension and encouraging integration through collaborative efforts.

Cultural integration – The process of combining and accepting diverse cultures within a society, leading to shared identity and tolerance.

Discrimination laws – Legislation that prevents unequal treatment based on race, gender, or religion in the workplace or wider society.

Employment mentoring – Programmes run by businesses to help immigrants adapt to new environments, improve job access, and integrate socially.

English language support – Classes and resources provided to non-native speakers to improve communication and workplace integration.

Government engagement – Initiatives such as encouraging minority participation in political decision-making (e.g. voting outreach).

Infrastructure investment – Public and private funding to improve roads, water, sanitation, and housing, especially in informal settlements.

Living wage – A minimum income standard designed to meet basic living costs, helping reduce urban poverty.

Minimum wage – A government-mandated lowest hourly pay rate, aiming to reduce wage disparities in urban areas.

Self-help housing – Government schemes in LDEs where families are supported with materials and utilities to construct their own homes.

Urban regeneration – Revitalisation of degraded urban areas, often incorporating mixed housing and public services to reduce segregation.

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Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography, History, Religious Studies & Environmental Studies Subject Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 30 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.

Jacque Cartwright

Reviewer: Jacque Cartwright

Expertise: Geography Content Creator

Jacque graduated from the Open University with a BSc in Environmental Science and Geography before doing her PGCE with the University of St David’s, Swansea. Teaching is her passion and has taught across a wide range of specifications – GCSE/IGCSE and IB but particularly loves teaching the A-level Geography. For the past 5 years Jacque has been teaching online for international schools, and she knows what is needed to get the top scores on those pesky geography exams.