Concentric Zone Model
The Concentric Zone Model is a theoretical framework developed by sociologist Ernest W. Burgess in 1925 to explain urban land use. It depicts a city as a series of concentric circles, each representing different social groups and functions. The model suggests that cities grow outward from a central point, typically the central business district (CBD), with each zone having distinct characteristics.
The model consists of five zones: the CBD at the center, followed by a zone of transition, a zone of working-class homes, a zone of middle-class residences, and finally, a commuter zone. This structure illustrates how urban areas develop and how socio-economic status influences residential patterns.