Urban Social Deprivation (DP IB Geography)

Revision Note

Social Deprivation

  • There is significant inequality in urban areas both in HICs and LICs

  • In many areas groups and areas are experiencing social deprivation

  • Social deprivation can be defined as people or communities lacking access to the resources they need to have a reasonable quality of life

  • In the UK social deprivation is measured on the index of multiple deprivation which measures deprivation using measures of:

    • Income

    • Employment

    • Education

    • Health

    • Crime

    • Housing and services

    • Environment

Cycle of deprivation

  • The cycle of deprivation occurs when poverty is passed from one generation to the next

  • The limited resources of one generation mean that the next generation's opportunities are limited

    • Parents can't afford or access educational resources, which disadvantages their children

  • The educational disadvantages mean that educational attainment is lower and this affects job prospects

  • Lower standards of living and low incomes affect health and well-being

Barcelona

  • Barcelona has a population of over 5.7 million people

  • The highest levels of deprivation in Barcelona are located in:

    • El Raval which is an inner city area with old, substandard housing 

    • Can Peguera is situated at the city edge 

      • It is one of a number of estates of social housing built in the 1960s

  • Deindustrialisation in the 1970s and 1980s led to unemployment in Barcelona reaching 20%

    • Leading many areas to become rundown and derelict

  • The areas of deprivation have a number of features in common, including:

    • Low and very low incomes

    • Higher than average unemployment

    • Higher than average numbers of single-parent families

    • Lower levels of educational attainment

    • Higher incidence of crime and anti-social behaviour

Geographic Patterns of Crime

  • Crime rates are higher in urban and industrial areas

  • Much crime is concentrated in areas of high population densities

    • The exceptions to this are crimes such as fraud and sexual offences, which are more common in areas of low population density

    • The wealthier areas see car theft, kidnapping, and property damage

  • Within urban areas, crime rates tend to be higher in areas of social deprivation

    • Crime is partly due to a lack of job opportunities and large-scale unemployment

    • Gangs and intimidation are more likely to rule in areas of social deprivation

    • Rates of vandalism, burglary and vehicle crimes are higher in more deprived areas

  • Crime hotspots are areas where crime rates are particularly high

  • These areas often have similar characteristics, including:

    • Easy access and lack of security 

    • Higher numbers of offenders

    • High levels of residential buildings

    • A lack of services

    • A lack of a police station

Managing urban crime

  • There are several ways to reduce urban crime, including:

    • Increased police presence

    • Use of CCTV 

    • Improved street lights

    • Women only taxis

    • Greater number of taxi services around closing time of clubs and bars

    • Zero tolerance of crime

Last updated:

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.

Jenna Quinn

Author: Jenna Quinn

Expertise: Head of New Subjects

Jenna studied at Cardiff University before training to become a science teacher at the University of Bath specialising in Biology (although she loves teaching all three sciences at GCSE level!). Teaching is her passion, and with 10 years experience teaching across a wide range of specifications – from GCSE and A Level Biology in the UK to IGCSE and IB Biology internationally – she knows what is required to pass those Biology exams.