Concentric zone model

Concentric Zone Model is a theoretical framework developed by sociologist Ernest Burgess in 1925, which explains urban social structures in an expanding circular diagram. This model, also known as the "Burgess Model" or the "Zonal Hypothesis," was first introduced in the study of Chicago and has since been a fundamental concept in the field of urban sociology, urban geography, and city planning.

Overview

The Concentric Zone Model posits that cities grow in a series of concentric rings around the central business district (CBD). According to Burgess, the urban land use patterns are determined by the process of urbanization, which pushes different social groups to occupy distinct zones radiating out from the city's center. The model identifies five concentric zones, each characterized by its predominant land use and type of inhabitants.

The Five Zones

• Zone I: The Central Business District (CBD) - This is the heart of the city, characterized by high land values, dense population, and dominated by commercial and business activities. It is the hub for finance, administration, and retail.
• Zone II: The Transition Zone - Surrounding the CBD, this area is marked by a mix of residential and commercial properties, often with deteriorating housing and light manufacturing. It is typically inhabited by lower-income groups and recent immigrants.
• Zone III: The Zone of Working-Class Homes - This zone is predominantly residential, with more stable and established working-class communities. Housing quality improves as one moves further from the CBD.
• Zone IV: The Residential Zone - Characterized by middle-class residents, this zone features better housing conditions and more open space compared to the inner zones.
• Zone V: The Commuter Zone - The outermost ring, consisting of suburban and rural areas, where people live and commute to the city for work. This zone represents the urban-rural fringe.

Criticism and Adaptations

While the Concentric Zone Model was pioneering in urban sociology, it has faced criticism for its simplicity and the assumption that cities grow in a uniform pattern. Critics argue that the model does not account for geographical barriers, variations in urban development, or the impact of transportation and economic changes over time. Despite these criticisms, the model has been adapted and expanded upon by later theorists, including Homer Hoyt's Sector Model and Harris and Ullman's Multiple Nuclei Model, which offer more complex views of urban structure.

Relevance Today

The Concentric Zone Model remains a foundational concept in understanding urban development and spatial organization. It provides a basic framework for analyzing the distribution of social groups within cities and the dynamics of urban growth. Urban planners and sociologists continue to reference and build upon Burgess's work to explore the complexities of city life and urban form.

See Also

• Urban sociology
• City planning
• Urbanization
• Sector model
• Multiple nuclei model

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