Detroit: A home for racial segregation ?

Question 1

A brief history of racial disintegration in Detroit:

Answer 1

• Motown is widely recognised for having an important role in promoting racial segregation of music in 1960s/70s.
• Motown fused predominantly ‘black’ soul music with predominantly ‘white’ pop sound.
• Race riots in 1940s and 60s showed racial harmony was not always possible in Detroit.
• In 1970s city authorities were accused of supporting racial segregation of schools and housing, which reinforced ghettos and racial divide for which the city is well-known today.

Question 2

Mapping a Segregated city;

Answer 2

• 2010 US Census data map shows patterns of predominantly African American population in the city, surrounded by the white population of Detroit’s suburbs.
• The distinct dividing line between red and blue areas on the north side of the city is 8 mile road.

Question 3

White flight…

Social processes create spatial patterns:

Answer 3

• Second half of the 20th century, Detroit’s troubles prompted white families to move out of the city to the suburbs of metropolitan detroit. Made possible by their higher income, as they could afford to commute back to the centre.

Eventually many jobs followed this relocation to the suburbs: new socio-economic, spatial pattern ws created by this process of the ‘white flight’

Question 4

Segregation at a Local scale: Alter Road

Answer 4

• Alter Road has become a visible demarcation line of the social divisions within Detroit just like 8 Mile road.
• Upsets pedestrians and drivers who attempt to cross Alter Road into the suburb of Grosse pointe Park from eastside, Detroit.

Question 5

Major ethnic and wealth differences between the 2 areas:

Answer 5

• 82% of residents of the City of Detroit are African American.
• 85% of the residents of Grosse Pointe Park are white.

Median household income: city of Detroit - $26,955
Median household income: Grosse Pointe Park - $101,094