Burgess Model

Definition

The Burgess Model, also known as the Concentric Zone Model, is a theoretical framework that describes the internal structure of urban areas by dividing a city into five concentric rings, each representing different land uses and socio-economic statuses. This model illustrates how urban land use evolves from the center of the city outward, emphasizing the relationship between social status and geographical location within a metropolitan area.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Burgess Model was developed in 1925 by sociologist Ernest W. Burgess to explain social structures in urban environments.
2. In this model, the city grows outward from the center, creating distinct zones such as the CBD, Zone of Transition, Zone of Working-Class Homes, Zone of Better Residences, and the Commuter Zone.
3. The model reflects historical patterns of urban growth during the early 20th century when cities were expanding rapidly due to industrialization.
4. Critics argue that the Burgess Model oversimplifies urban structures and does not account for irregularities or variations seen in modern cities.
5. Despite its limitations, the Burgess Model provides a foundational understanding of urban land use and has influenced later urban theories and models.

Review Questions

• How does the Burgess Model illustrate the relationship between socio-economic status and geographical location in urban areas?
  • The Burgess Model demonstrates that socio-economic status significantly influences where people live within a city. In this model, wealthier residents tend to occupy outer zones, such as the Zone of Better Residences and Commuter Zone, while lower-income individuals are often found in inner zones like the Zone of Transition and working-class homes near the central business district. This spatial distribution reflects broader social patterns and historical trends related to urban development.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of using the Burgess Model to understand contemporary urban environments.
  • One strength of the Burgess Model is its simplicity in illustrating urban growth patterns through clearly defined concentric zones. However, its weaknesses include oversimplifying complex urban realities and failing to account for factors like suburbanization, gentrification, and diverse land use seen in modern cities. The model may not accurately represent cities today, which often exhibit more irregular patterns of development influenced by economic changes, policies, and cultural shifts.
• Discuss how urban planning initiatives can be informed by insights from the Burgess Model while addressing its limitations.
  • Urban planning initiatives can utilize insights from the Burgess Model by acknowledging historical patterns of land use and socio-economic distribution while adapting to contemporary challenges. Planners can focus on revitalizing Zones of Transition to improve housing quality and services for low-income residents or promote mixed-use developments that enhance community engagement. Recognizing that cities are dynamic systems is essential for planners to implement strategies that address issues such as displacement or inadequate infrastructure while fostering sustainable growth.

Related terms

Concentric Zone Model: An urban land use model developed by sociologist Ernest Burgess in 1925 that divides cities into concentric circles based on socio-economic status.

Zone of Transition: The area surrounding the central business district (CBD) in the Burgess Model characterized by mixed land uses and often undergoing change and redevelopment.

Central Business District (CBD): The commercial and business center of a city, typically located at the innermost zone of the Burgess Model, where land values are highest.