Criticisms
The model has been challenged by many contemporary urban geographers. First, the model does not work well with cities outside the United States, in particular with those developed under different historical contexts. Even in the United States, because of changes such as advancement in transportation and information technology and transformation in global economy, cities are no longer organized with clear "zones" (see: Los Angeles School of Urban Analysis).
- It describes the peculiar American geography, where the inner city is poor while suburbs are wealthy; the converse is the norm elsewhere
- It assumes an isotropic plain - an even, unchanging landscape
- Physical features - land may restrict growth of certain sectors; hills and water features may make some locations unusually desirable for residential purposes
- Commuter villages defy the theory, being in the commuter zone but located far from the city
- Decentralization of shops, manufacturing industry, and entertainment
- Urban regeneration and gentrification - more expensive property can be found in 'low class' housing areas
- Many new housing estates were built on the edges of cities in Britain
- It does not address local urban politics and forces of globalization
- The model does not fit polycentric cities, for example Stoke-on-Trent
Read more about this topic: Concentric Zone Model
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