This paper is on suburbanization and the resulting mobility behavior of the US-population. In
the first passage, the term “suburbanization” will be explained as well as the corresponding
reasons and consequences.
In the following, the mobility behavior which is highly shaped by suburbanization will be illustrated.
Thereby, the actions of some American cities to speed up the reurbanization, using
projects concerning the local public transport, and to improve the housing situation in the
long run will be examined. Furthermore, the fight against the reasons for the suburbanization,
with the integration of ethnic minorities leading the way, will be thematized. This process will
be explained in chapter four.
The topic is still of current interest: cities and communities, but also the whole population are
forced to change their thinking due to growing demands on the protection of the environment
and species as well as increasing prices for commodities (especially oil in that context). Long
trips to work, in many cases caused by the suburbanization, are no longer affordable. They
demand a high time budget that cannot be brought into accordance with the new trend to an
ecological lifestyle.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Suburbanization
2.1 Terminology and definitions
2.2 Consequences
2.3 Reasons
3 Suburbanization and mobility behaviour
4 Countering the causes
5 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the phenomenon of American suburbanization, specifically during the 1970s and 1980s, and analyzes its profound impact on the mobility patterns of the US population. The study explores the socio-economic drivers behind suburban sprawl, the resulting environmental and infrastructural challenges, and the potential for reurbanization through improved public transport and the integration of diverse ethnic communities.
- The historical development and definition of American suburbanization.
- Consequences of suburbanization on transport, traffic volume, and social stratification.
- The relationship between urban settlement structures and individual mobility behavior.
- Strategies for reurbanization and the expansion of public transportation systems.
- The socio-economic integration of ethnic minorities as a factor for future urban development.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2 Consequences
As mainly high earners and their families move into the suburbs, the fiscal revenue of many cities is highly reduced and translocated to the suburbs. Simultaneously, core areas become impoverished and turn into slums. In the 1970s, the process of slumification reached its climax. Next to the slumification, the transport services, thus the length of travelled distances, is being extremely enhanced by suburbanization. After moving away from the core areas, most people have to travel longer distances to important destinations like their work place, school, the supermarket or different leisure facilities. Next to the huge loss of time for the person concerned, this also leads to a greater environmental pollution due to the CO2 emissions of the used vehicles. The biggest problem caused by suburbanization is therefore, next to the housing sprawl of the landscape, the extremely high traffic volume. Furthermore, it needs to be mentioned that many suburbs are inhabited by one single ethnic group.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of suburbanization and its correlation with US mobility behavior, outlining the scope of the study including reurbanization efforts and ethnic integration.
2 Suburbanization: This section provides definitions, explores the historical reasons for the move to the suburbs, and discusses the consequences regarding fiscal revenue, slumification, and environmental impact.
3 Suburbanization and mobility behaviour: This chapter analyzes the high traffic volumes and car dependency resulting from suburban structures and discusses the role of public transportation as a countermeasure.
4 Countering the causes: This part focuses on the necessity of integrating ethnic minorities and the role of education to foster a more inclusive urban society and mitigate the social divisions caused by suburbanization.
5 Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the findings, emphasizing the need for a shift in transportation policy and better urban planning to address the challenges of historical suburban growth.
Keywords
Suburbanization, US population, Mobility behavior, Urban planning, Public transport, Reurbanization, Ethnic segregation, Slumification, Social integration, American Dream, Traffic volume, Environmental pollution, Demographic change, Industrialization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines the phenomenon of American suburbanization and its long-term effects on the mobility behavior of the US population, focusing on the infrastructure and social changes observed from the 1970s onwards.
What are the central themes of the work?
The central themes include the historical drivers of suburban sprawl, the resulting decline of inner-city areas, the dependency on private car transport, and the necessity for better integration of ethnic minorities.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to understand why suburbanization led to unsustainable mobility patterns and to explore how city planning, public transport investments, and social integration can foster a shift toward reurbanization.
Which scientific methods are applied?
The work utilizes a combination of historical analysis, review of demographic census data, and the examination of case studies regarding public transportation projects in cities like Portland, Chicago, and Norfolk.
What is discussed in the main body?
The main body treats the definition and consequences of suburbanization, the specific mobility challenges created by suburban settlement patterns, and the strategic fight against the social and economic causes of urban fragmentation.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include suburbanization, mobility behavior, reurbanization, ethnic segregation, urban sprawl, and public transport infrastructure.
How does suburbanization impact public transportation?
Suburbanization has historically reduced the viability of public transport by increasing the distances people must travel, leading to a high reliance on private vehicles and, consequently, a decline in public transport market share.
Why is the integration of ethnic minorities important for reurbanization?
Integration is considered essential because socio-economic and ethnic fragmentation is a core driver of urban decay. Successfully integrating these groups supports the revitalization of city centers, which is a prerequisite for a sustainable urban transport network.
- Quote paper
- Verena Bartschat (Author), 2013, The American suburbanization in 1970/80 and its consequences for the mobility behaviour of the US-Population, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/267054
