Diverse Places

Demographic Transition Model

• Populations naturally fluctuate, growing with increased birth rates and decreased death rates.
• Four stages characterize the model:
  • Stage 1: High birth and death rates, low population growth; poorly developed countries with limited healthcare and education resources. Employment is primarily in low-income primary industries.
  • Stage 2: Death rate decreases while birth rate remains high, leading to increased population growth. Development brings more healthcare spending, reduced disease, and improved farming practices. Secondary industries develop with more consistent income.
  • Stage 3: Death rates continue falling, and birth rates decrease (often due to increased women's rights, education, and access to contraception). Faster population growth rate. Shift from primary to more diverse sectors.
  • Stage 4: Low birth and death rates, but population may still rise due to migration. Migrants fill skills gaps and support service industries.

Exceptions to the Model

• Some countries, like the UAE, experience rapid population growth primarily from economic migration, not gradual development.
• Countries with worsened development (due to conflict or natural disasters) deviate from the typical model. Examples like Syria and Haiti illustrate significant increases in death rates beyond expected LEDC levels.

UK Population Structure

• UK population is unevenly distributed, concentrated in England (primarily low-lying areas).
• High density in major cities and along the south coast.
• Rural areas have the lowest density.
• Areas of economic growth (London, South East) show rapid population increase.
• Some areas (Scottish coast, Cumbria) experience declining populations due to lack of employment opportunities and counter-urbanization.

UK Population Changes: Birth Rate

• Increased birth rate over the last century due to population growth and government policies (like maternity/paternity leave).
• Declining birth rate in recent years due to:
  • Increased contraception use, along with readily accessible, free contraception through the NHS.
  • Rising costs of raising children, impacting family choices.
  • More women pursuing careers, postponing childbirth.
  • Declining religious influence reducing pressure to have larger families.

UK Population Changes: Death Rate

• Generally lower death rates in the UK due to:
  • Advancements in medicine, increased healthcare access.
  • Disease eradication and vaccination programs.
  • Improved sanitation and clean water.
• Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, alcohol use, and unbalanced diets, contribute to reduced average life expectancy in Western countries.

UK Population Changes: Migration

• Significant increase in inward international migration since WWII, driven by:
  • Political alliances (particularly with Commonwealth countries).
  • Lower travel costs.
  • War and conflict.
  • Increased employment opportunities.

Changes in the UK Over Time

• UK's population has diversified, and its urban and rural environments have evolved.
• Key periods and events:
  • 1960s: Large-scale housing, migration from Pakistan and India, advancement in transportation.
  • 1970s: Decline in secondary industry, migration from Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Chile. Dock closures.
  • 1980s: Economic recession, migration changes, incentives for foreign investment.
  • 1990s: Increased migration, conflict in various regions, development in technology.
  • 2000s: Racial relations amendment act, suburbanisation, EU freedom of movement increases migration, social media.
  • 2010s: Increased diversity in London, Syrian migration, Brexit uncertainties affected migration patterns.

Rural-Urban Continuum

• A spectrum ranging from high-density urban cores to low-density rural areas.
• Stages include urban core, suburbs, commuter settlements, suburbanized villages, rural villages/farming areas, and remote rural tourism areas.
• Changes in population density and built environment characteristics define the stages.

Urban City Structure

• Two models describe urban structure:
  • Burgess Model: City expands outward in concentric rings from a central business district (CBD). Class/income tends to increase the further out you go.
  • Hoyt Model: Industrial and residential areas develop in sectors outward along transport routes (initial river routes, now railways).

Place Character

• Determinants of unique qualities are endogenous and exogenous:
  • Endogenous factors (local): land use, topography, geography, infrastructure, demographic, built environment, and location.
  • Exogenous factors (external): flows of people (tourists, migrants, refugees), money and investment (trade, events, business), resources (raw materials, energy), and ideas (entrepreneurs).
• Endogenous factors are influenced by exogenous flows.

Perceptions of Living Spaces

• Individual perceptions depend on life experiences, life cycle stage, economic position, and more.
• Factors including Human (age, family, education, gender, income, religion, culture), accessibility (jobs, amenities, transport, housing, internet, utilities) and environmental (pollution, crime, climate, congestion, green spaces) conditions shape perceptions.

Insiders/Outsiders

• Insiders feel at home, often with local language skills, understanding of customs, and norms.
• Outsiders may experience challenges, in a new culture, integrating, or even adapting to local cultural differences or specific language related behaviours.

Perception of Urban/Rural Places

• Perceptions of urban areas have evolved. Inner cities have varied perceptions; formerly perceived as dangerous, today can offer high jobs and amenities. Rural areas are often viewed as a quiet, beautiful, relaxed pace of life, and attractive to tourists; however, realities differ with expensive housing, isolated services, and seasonal employment in tourism.

Variation in Population

• Clustering: Ethnic and migrant groups tend to settle in clustered communities.
• Inclusion: Integration with mainstream communities and acquiring skills.
• Tensions: Differences can lead to anxiety and potentially violence. Key to managing issues is understanding and combating misinformation and stereotypes.

Measuring/Managing Cultural Issues

• Quantitative data provides insights into inclusivity, poverty, and voting. More effective management often hinges on factors beyond economics, like social acceptance and overall happiness.

Groups of People (Case Studies)

• Different groups (nuclear families, young people/students, first-time buyers, local businesses) have different needs and live in different areas based on their resources, lifestyle and needs.