Theory of concentric circles

Definition

The theory of concentric circles is a model that describes urban land use in which a city develops in a series of circular zones emanating from the central business district (CBD). Each circle represents different socio-economic classes and functions, showing how population distribution changes with distance from the city center. This model helps to explain patterns of urbanization and how various demographics inhabit different areas within a city.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The theory was developed by sociologist Ernest Burgess in 1925 as part of his work on urban ecology.
2. The model is divided into five main zones: the CBD, zone of transition, zone of working-class homes, zone of better residences, and the commuter zone.
3. Population density tends to decrease as one moves outward from the CBD in this model, with wealthier individuals residing further away.
4. The theory illustrates the social stratification of urban environments, where socioeconomic status influences residential location.
5. While useful for understanding early 20th-century cities, the concentric circle model has limitations in explaining modern urban forms due to factors like transportation and zoning changes.

Review Questions

• How does the theory of concentric circles help us understand population distribution within a city?
  • The theory of concentric circles helps us understand population distribution by illustrating how different socio-economic groups occupy distinct zones within a city. The model shows that as one moves further from the central business district, population density decreases while wealthier populations tend to reside in outer rings. This pattern reflects how factors like income level and land use impact where people choose to live in relation to the city's center.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of using the concentric circle model to describe urban development in contemporary cities.
  • One strength of the concentric circle model is its simplicity and clarity in illustrating how urban space is organized around a central point. However, its weaknesses include failing to account for modern complexities like transportation systems, suburbanization, and cultural factors that influence where people live today. Many cities now exhibit more irregular patterns due to these factors, making it less applicable for contemporary urban studies compared to more dynamic models.
• Critically analyze how urbanization patterns reflected in the concentric circle theory may influence social equity and access to resources in cities.
  • Urbanization patterns illustrated by the concentric circle theory can significantly influence social equity and access to resources. The model indicates that wealthier populations tend to live further from the CBD, potentially leading to disparities in access to jobs and services located downtown. Additionally, marginalized groups often reside in inner zones characterized by transition or lower-quality housing, highlighting issues of inequality in resource distribution. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers aiming to address urban inequality and improve access for disadvantaged communities.

Related terms

Central Business District (CBD): The commercial and business center of a city, characterized by high land values, dense construction, and a concentration of businesses and financial institutions.

Urban Sprawl: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, often leading to increased traffic, infrastructure strain, and environmental degradation.

Zone of Transition: An area surrounding the CBD where older industrial buildings are mixed with lower-income housing, typically characterized by a mix of residential and commercial uses as neighborhoods evolve.