From the time when urbanization started in European towns, segregation by political affiliation, class, or social status has always existed. In present day American towns, segregation is mostly with regard to race or class. There are several causes of segregation in urban areas; when cities were beginning to grow in America, masses of citizens migrated to these industrial centers with the wish of getting employment or having a better live.

            The aspect of class stratification in urban areas is a hot debate topic in most countries in the west, which draws concern from both urban policy planners and the academic world. It is a huge problem to deliberate on the manner, structure, and policy consequences of class segregation. The issue is in itself sophisticated. In many areas class segregation is inflicted informally or formally to the people; research indicates that social groups confined in secluded neighbourhoods, the forces of class segregation are almost insuperable (Massey.). In such cases, class segregation is a consequence and cause of rising inequalities, which are beyond correction.

            Its is also noticeable that in some urban areas, some groups willingly choose to segregate themselves according to classes in which case the stratification is not so much harmful. Within some scenarios, grouping according to ethnic backgrounds has been noticed to be beneficial in poor minority member’s protection and assisting fresh in-comers to acclimatize to the new surrounding and to mobilize resources that are fundamental to peace and cohesiveness. It is fundamental for any policy maker dealing with class segregation to initially discern the possibilities of benefits with regard to ethnic classes and develop frameworks to make them function (Greenstein, Rosalind; Sabatini, Francisco and Smolka, Martim).

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            The areas that have urban class segregations in most cases do not generate positive benefits that overpower the negative impacts. People are also more likely to migrate to areas in urban cities where their ethnic group is dominant in order to acclimatize more easily. This is a source of class segregation in the sense that if these people are poor they are bound to associate themselves with the poor while the rich and the middle classes fit in their respective classes.

            Class segregation in urban areas is hence a symbol of the social structures that exist and the frameworks to implement the structures. It is a common trend for low-income earners to reside others of similar statuses, this also limits the opportunities educationally of their children. In terms of third world nations, informal settlements if often a crucial issue which in fact locks out residents from good jobs and access to proper facilities (Massey Douglas S). All concerned parties should therefore understand these problems facing such classes in order to develop viable frameworks to deal with the issue. It would be viable to gradually develop a solution allocate more funds to measures that improve living standards in all urban centers in a bid to minimize classes. It is however, so interesting to note that despite the fact that the problem has existed for quite a while less has been done to curb it and seems to be getting out of control each day as the population grows. The citizens should also participate in this problem and not just leave it to governments.


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