Criminology & Concentric Zone Theory

Summary

The concentric zone model, developed by Ernest Burgess in 1925, illustrates urban land use in industrial cities, depicting five rings around a central business district (CBD). Zone one is the CBD, bustling with business activities and crime. Zone two, the transition zone, contains factories and deteriorating homes, supporting the CBD. Zone three features working-class residences, while zone four offers middle-class homes, and zone five comprises suburban commuter zones with the least crime. Although insightful for its time, the model now struggles to accurately describe contemporary urban dynamics, as cities have gentrified and crime patterns have shifted.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ The concentric zone model was created by Ernest Burgess in 1925, reflecting urban land use in industrial cities.
• 📚 It is based on the book *The City* by Park, Burgess, and McKenzie, which analyzed urban crime patterns.
• 🌍 The model assumes cities are laid out on an isotropic plane, though it's not applicable to all cities.
• 🔴 Zone 1 is the Central Business District (CBD), characterized by high-rises and a mix of violent and white-collar crimes.
• 🏭 Zone 2, known as the zone in transition, features factories and deteriorating homes, experiencing high crime rates.
• 🏠 Zone 3 is the zone of working-class homes, with medium crime levels, where residents move to escape Zone 2.
• 🏡 Zone 4 contains better residences, primarily middle-class homes, and has lower crime rates.
• 🚗 Zone 5 is the commuter zone or suburbs, where crime rates are the lowest as residents rely on transportation to the CBD.
• 📉 The model indicates that crime decreases as one moves further from the city center.
• 🔄 Modern urban dynamics have changed significantly, making the concentric zone model less applicable to contemporary cities.

Q & A

Who created the concentric zone model, and when?

The concentric zone model was created by Ernest Burgess in 1925.

What book includes the concentric zone model?

The model is included in the book 'The City,' co-authored by Park, Burgess, and McKenzie in 1925.

What type of city does the concentric zone model specifically represent?

The model represents an industrial city at the peak of its development.

How many concentric zones are defined in the model?

The model defines five concentric zones radiating from the central business district.

What is located in Zone 1 of the concentric zone model?

Zone 1, the Central Business District, is characterized by skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, where various types of crimes occur.

What are the characteristics of Zone 2?

Zone 2 is known as the zone in transition, featuring factories, warehouses, and deteriorating homes, often associated with high crime rates.

Describe the conditions in Zone 3 of the model.

Zone 3 represents working-class homes with medium crime rates and slightly better living conditions than Zone 2.

What does Zone 4 consist of?

Zone 4 is known as the zone of better residences, consisting of middle-class homes that are newer and have lower crime rates.

What characterizes Zone 5, the commuter zone?

Zone 5, or the suburbs, has the lowest crime rates and residents typically rely on cars or public transport to commute to the Central Business District.

Why is the concentric zone model considered outdated today?

The model is viewed as outdated because modern cities have changed significantly due to gentrification and demographic shifts, which the model does not accurately represent.