Key Terms: Urban Social & Economic Issues (AQA A Level Geography): Revision Note
Exam code: 7037
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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