Burgess Concentric Zone Model (USA) Quiz
Zones, assumptions, US examples (10 questions).
Burgess Concentric Zone Model (USA) Quiz: Quick Study Notes
The Burgess Concentric Zone Model, developed by sociologist Ernest Burgess in 1925, is one of the earliest theoretical models to explain urban social structures. Based on his studies of Chicago, it proposes that cities grow outwards in a series of five concentric rings, each characterized by different land uses and social groups. This quiz tests your knowledge of these zones, the underlying assumptions, and how they apply to urban development, particularly in the United States.
Key Concepts from the Outline
Innermost ring, hub of commerce, services, and transportation. Highest land values and competition.
Surrounds the CBD. Characterized by factories, deteriorating housing, and ethnic enclaves. High turnover, blight, and gentrification potential.
Stable, modest homes for blue-collar workers. Often settled by immigrant groups who have assimilated.
Higher-quality housing, middle to upper-class residents. The outermost ring includes suburban areas and satellite communities, where residents commute to the CBD.
Key Takeaways
- The model identifies five concentric zones of urban land use radiating from the city center.
- It assumes outward expansion from a central core (CBD).
- Land values generally decrease with increasing distance from the CBD.
- Socioeconomic status and housing quality tend to improve with distance from the CBD.
- The model was primarily based on Ernest Burgess’s observations of Chicago in the early 20th century.
- It is critiqued for its oversimplification of urban growth and its failure to account for modern urban complexities like multiple nuclei and sector development.
- Despite limitations, it remains a foundational model for understanding early urban ecological theories and historical urban development patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the five zones of the Burgess Concentric Zone Model?
The five zones are: 1. Central Business District (CBD), 2. Zone of Transition, 3. Zone of Independent Workingmen’s Homes (Working-Class Zone), 4. Zone of Better Residences, and 5. Commuter Zone.
What were the main assumptions made by Burgess in his model?
Burgess assumed a single, dominant city center, outward growth in concentric rings, a uniform land surface, and that competition for land drove land use patterns. He also posited a positive correlation between socioeconomic status and distance from the CBD.
Why is Chicago often cited as the primary example for the Burgess Model?
Ernest Burgess developed his model based on his extensive observations and studies of Chicago in the early 20th century. Chicago at the time exhibited a clear concentric growth pattern, making it an ideal case study for his theory.
What is the ‘Zone of Transition’ and what are its characteristics?
The Zone of Transition (Zone 2) surrounds the CBD and is characterized by a mix of light industry, decaying residential structures, and ethnic enclaves. It experiences high population turnover, social problems, and is often a target for redevelopment or gentrification.
What are some limitations of the Burgess Concentric Zone Model?
Key limitations include its oversimplification of urban growth, its failure to account for physical barriers (e.g., rivers, mountains), the rise of multiple business districts (as seen in the multiple nuclei model), the impact of transportation routes (sector model), and the influence of government planning or diverse socioeconomic factors not solely driven by concentric expansion.
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