DefinitionKey TermWord Used in an Academic Sentence The unequal distribution of wealth or resources in an area. Spatial Inequality The overall level of comfort and well being of a group or a country Standard of Living The movement of people from rural to urban areas, resulting in the growth of urban areas. Urbanization Worsening economic conditions in rural areas, such as high unemployment and poverty, which pushes people towards cities. Rural Decline

DefinitionKey TermWord Used in an Academic Sentence The unequal distribution of wealth or resources in an area Spatial InequalityIn Houston, all the wealth is centered around the Downtown area, with the poor neighborhoods to the north and south. The overall level of comfort and well being of a group or a country Standard of LivingThe United States enjoys a high standard of living when compared to Bangladesh. The movement of people from rural to urban areas, resulting in the growth of urban areas. UrbanizationThe rise in the number of people moving to Houston from the country is an example of Urbanization Worsening economic conditions in rural areas, such as high unemployment and poverty, which pushes people towards cities. Rural DeclineAs a result of 3 consecutive crop failures, many families in rural Mexico moved towards Mexico city in search of a better life.

Human Geography: Spatial Inequality Mexico City and Houston Case Study

What is Spatial Inequality? Spatial inequality  What does this mean? – Spatial = Area or Space – Inequality = uneven Spatial inequality occurs when: “there is an uneven distribution of resources or wealth in an area.” In your own words: What is Spatial inequality? “Mister – its when there is a rich part of Houston were the rich people work, then the poor parts which people don’t want to go to.”

Picture 1: What do you see in this picture? How does picture capture the idea of spatial inequality? What can you infer about why people live where they do, based on this picture? How can you determine where the rich and poor people live in this area?

Rural Decline and Urban Migration Historically….. – the people of Mexico have been farmers – Farming in Mexico evolved from Subsistence farming to Commercial farming. – Mexican farmers would grow beans, vegetables, corn.

Mexico City

Rural Decline and Urban Migration However… – Drought, poor soil, and bad crops have forced thousands of peoples to leave their farms and move to the cities in search of new jobs. – Today, only 15 % of all land in Mexico is suitable for farming. – The high cost of fertilizer, land (rent), and machinery has also forced people to abandon their jobs as farmers. As a result… – People are moving to the cities in waves in search of a better life, higher paying jobs, and better schools for their children.

Urbanization Creates New Problems Between 1970 and 1990 over 1,000 people a day moved to Mexico City. What Kind of problems might this cause for Mexico City? – Overcrowding  too many people, too little land. There is not enough land for everyone to have an equal part – Inadequate Infrastructure  The city can not support the influx of people, sewers clog, electricity goes on and off – Pollution  People are getting sick from the pollution they breath. – Lack of fresh water  Clean water is in short supply – Increase in crime rates  people who can not find jobs tend to commit crimes in order to survive.

Picture 2: What do you See????????

Have’s and Have Not’s Have's: – Members of Mexico City’s middle and upper class. – Wealthy, large landowners – Live in large homes, with modern security for protection – Hire “have not’s” to work around their homes as cooks, cleaners, gardeners – Children go to the best schools, and will take on the family business. Have Not’s: – Many of Mexico City’s have-nots live in the Slums: garbage dumps and areas of poor land quality. – Have little private possession, look for anything of value to sell – Lack basic needs: electricity, health care, food, clean water – Called “working poor” because these people do have jobs, however these jobs pay very little.

Houston, Texas

What makes a nice or bad neighborhood in Houston Nice…. Bad…..

River Oaks, Houston Texas # 16 Fifth Ward, Houston, Texas #2 Distance between River Oaks and Fifth Ward = 4 miles.

River Oaks vs. Fifth Ward, Houston Texas Comparison: – Annual Average Income River Oaks: $209,000Fifth Ward: $8,200 – Number of people living below poverty line (23,000 $): River Oaks: >1%Fifth Ward: 61 % – Number of Ex-felons living in the area: (per 1000 people) River Oaks:.01Fifth Ward: 15 – Number of people with a college degree: River Oaks: 87 %Fifth Ward: 2 % – Population: River Oaks: 17,727Fifth Ward: 22,646