Population Characteristics EQ1 Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are population characteristics and how do they vary between places?
-Population characteristics refer to features like age, gender, fertility, ethnicity, cultural diversity, and mortality
-These vary from place to place due to migration, economic function, planning policy, access to services, and historical development
-For example, urban areas like Brent tend to be younger and more diverse, while places like Bromley have older, more stable populations
How do age and gender profiles differ between rural and urban areas?
-Urban areas often have younger populations due to high levels of migration, students, and job seekers
-Rural areas typically have older populations because young adults move out and retirees move in. Gender can be affected by male-dominated work migration or longer female life expectancy.
Where is Brent, London?
Brent is in North-West London.
It’s a densely populated, highly diverse, urban area with a large migrant population
Where is Bromley, London?
Bromley is in South-East London.
It’s one of the most suburban and least densely populated London boroughs. It has older, wealthier residents, more detached housing
How do fertility and mortality rates vary across settlements?
-Fertility is usually higher in urban areas with younger, more diverse populations, especially where there are migrant families
-Mortality may be higher in cities due to pollution and stress, but also reduced by better healthcare
-Rural areas have older populations, leading to higher natural death rates but possibly lower pollution-related mortality
-e.g. Brent has a higher fertility rate (72 births/1000 women) than Bromley (60/1000), reflecting its younger and more migrant-heavy population.
What influences levels of ethnic diversity in a settlement?
-Ethnic diversity is shaped by migration patterns, affordable housing, access to jobs, and the presence of cultural and religious infrastructure
-Urban areas attract international migrants, which increases diversity.
-e.g.In Brent, only 36% of residents are White British, compared to 78% in Bromley. This is because Brent has experienced high levels of international migration, offers cheaper, higher-density housing, and provides religious and community facilities that support cultural integration
-In contrast, Bromley is more suburban, with fewer migrants and less cultural clustering
Why do population densities vary between urban boroughs like Brent and Bromley?
-Population density depends on how housing is built and used. Brent has a much higher density (7,520 people per km²) because it’s an inner-city borough with lots of flats and subdivided houses, often shared by multiple families, couples, or single adults
-Housing is compact, and more people live in each building. In contrast, Bromley, at 2,160/km², is a more suburban area with larger detached homes, fewer people per household, and more space between properties
-This means fewer people live in the same amount of space, lowering its overall density
How do population change rates differ in Brent and Bromley, and why?
-Between 2001 and 2011, Brent’s population increased by 18%, while Bromley’s only rose by 5%. This difference is due to Brent’s younger age structure and higher levels of international migration
-Younger populations tend to have higher birth rates, which drives natural increase. Migration also brings in new residents, particularly young adults and families, which boosts population growth
-Brent’s housing and job opportunities attract a constantly changing population, leading to faster residential turnover
-Bromley, by contrast, has an older, more settled population with lower birth rates and less in-migration, resulting in slower population growth.
How does migration shape the population of Brent and Bromley?
-In 2014, Brent had high international in-migration (+6,174) and also high internal out-migration (−6,912), meaning lots of people arrive from abroad while many existing residents move to other parts of the UK
-This creates a highly dynamic population that is constantly changing, adding to ethnic diversity and pushing up demand for housing and services
-Migrants often move into Brent because of affordable housing, established communities, and job availability
-Bromley’s migration flows are smaller and more balanced, showing a more stable and settled population with less turnover and less demographic change
How do population change rates differ in Brent and Bromley, and why?
-Between 2001 and 2011, Brent’s population grew by 18%, while Bromley’s grew by just 5%. Brent’s rapid growth is driven by its young population, high birth rates, and international migration
-Younger people are more likely to have children, and new migrants add to population numbers quickly. Brent also has more temporary and rented housing, so people move in and out more often
-In contrast, Bromley has a more settled, older population with fewer births and less migration, so its population grows more slowly
What do education and deprivation levels show about population characteristics?
-In Brent, 8% of people have no qualifications and 35% of children live in poverty, which can be linked to recent migration, language barriers, and low-income employment
-These factors contribute to larger household sizes and higher birth rates, as some families rely on extended support networks
-In contrast, Bromley has a more educated population—only 41% have no qualifications—and lower levels of poverty
-This often means smaller family sizes, higher income levels, and less housing overcrowding, leading to lower fertility and less population pressure.
Why have immigrant populations become concentrated in the UK’s major cities?
-Immigrants have become concentrated in major UK cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham because these urban areas offer the most accessible jobs, housing, and existing migrant communities
-Cities are hubs for industry and services, meaning there is constant demand for both skilled and unskilled labour
-Migrants also tend to follow established networks—settling where family, friends, or familiar cultural institutions already exist
-In London, for example, large South Asian communities settled in places like Southall due to the proximity to jobs in manufacturing and Heathrow Airport
-Over time, these areas became centres of cultural life, reinforcing the pattern of concentration
What is social clustering and why has it happened?
-Social clustering is when people from similar ethnic or cultural backgrounds live close together in specific areas. It has happened due to shared language, religion, lifestyle, and support needs
-Living near others with the same background provides cultural familiarity, easier access to religious centres or ethnic shops, and safety in numbers—especially in a new country
-It also often begins with the first wave of migrants settling in affordable housing, which later generations and new arrivals continue to choose
-In places like Wembley, for example, Hindu communities have built temples, opened businesses, and shaped the local identity, making the area a natural draw for future migrants from similar backgrounds
What physical factors influence cultural diversity in cities?
-Accessibility is a major factor—cities with good transport links, proximity to ports or airports, and connections to major roads tend to be more diverse
-Migrants often settle in areas that are easy to reach and where they can move around for work or family reasons
-Affordable housing also plays a role, as culturally diverse groups often start in cheaper, inner-city neighbourhoods
-In contrast, rural areas and remote towns with limited job opportunities or poor transport are less attractive, so they remain less diverse
-Physical distance from urban centres often means fewer services, less social support, and reduced opportunity for economic mobility
What role has government planning policy played?
-Government policies have actively shaped migration patterns. After WWII, the UK faced labour shortages and encouraged migration from the Caribbean, South Asia, and other parts of the Commonwealth
-The government advertised jobs, offered assisted travel, and created work opportunities in areas like transport, textiles, and healthcare
-In later decades, EU policy on free movement also made it easier for people from countries like Poland and Romania to settle in the UK
-In addition, housing policies and planning decisions have influenced where migrant communities can settle—cheaper housing developments, for example, are more likely to host diverse populations
-Overall, state-led initiatives have supported both the arrival of migrants and their long-term settlement
What are the internal explanations for ethnic clustering?
Internal (within the ethnic group):
-New arrivals live near people who share their language and culture.
-Specific services (e.g. mosques, ethnic shops) encourage settlement in those areas.
-Cultural safety and strong community ties are valued.
External (societal factors):
-Housing officers may direct groups to certain areas.
-Prejudice or lack of income may limit housing choices.
-Other groups may move away, leaving space for newcomers
What are the external explanations for ethnic clustering?
External (societal factors):
-Housing officers may direct groups to certain areas
-Prejudice or lack of income may limit housing choices
-Other groups may move away, leaving space for newcomers
How does migration lead to cultural change in the UK?
-Migration introduces new cultural influences, including religion, food, language, and traditions
-When migrants settle in clusters and their birth rates exceed those of native populations, their cultural impact grows
-Over time, this can lead to cultural blending. For example, Indian and Chinese food is now a key part of British life
-Younger generations of migrants often adopt aspects of British culture too, resulting in hybrid identities.
Where is the Asian population most concentrated in the UK and why?
-Asian populations are concentrated in urban centres like Greater London, West Midlands, and West Yorkshire due to historic job opportunities in transport, textiles, and industry
-Places like Leicester, Bradford, and Southall became key destinations due to recruitment drives and chain migration
-These areas provided jobs and social networks that allowed communities to grow and remain established.
