Sector Model Theory

Definition

The Sector Model Theory, developed by economist Homer Hoyt in 1939, proposes that urban land use is organized in sectors or wedges radiating out from the city center rather than in concentric circles. This model highlights how different socioeconomic groups and industries occupy specific sectors based on their accessibility to transportation routes and the central business district, revealing a more complex spatial arrangement within cities.

Case Studies

• In Chicago, the Sector Model is evident with high-income residential areas extending along the Lake Michigan shoreline, illustrating how cities develop in wedge-shaped sectors.
• Johannesburg, South Africa's city layout resembles the Sector Model with its mining industry influencing residential and economic sectors radiating from the CBD.

Impact

The Sector Model influences urban planning by shaping transportation routes and land use patterns. It affects property values and guides infrastructural development, often directing economic investments and determining the social landscape of urban areas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sector Model Theory challenges the idea that cities develop uniformly in concentric circles, emphasizing instead that certain industries and social groups are attracted to particular sectors based on location and transportation access.
2. Hoyt identified five key sectors: the central business district, lower-income residential areas, middle-class residential areas, high-income residential areas, and industrial zones, each radiating from the center.
3. Transportation routes significantly influence the development of sectors, with major highways and railroads acting as barriers or conduits for urban expansion.
4. The model is particularly useful for understanding cities with pronounced economic segregation, where wealthier populations tend to live farther from the city center, often in sectors with better amenities.
5. Although the Sector Model Theory has limitations and does not fully capture all urban dynamics, it remains influential in urban planning and development discussions.

Review Questions

• How does the Sector Model Theory differ from the Concentric Zone Model in explaining urban land use?
  • The Sector Model Theory differs from the Concentric Zone Model by suggesting that urban land use develops in specific sectors or wedges radiating out from the city center rather than in uniform concentric circles. While the Concentric Zone Model implies a more homogenous distribution of social classes and land uses around a central point, the Sector Model accounts for variations based on transportation access and economic factors. This results in distinct patterns where certain socioeconomic groups cluster within specific sectors due to their proximity to resources and employment opportunities.
• Discuss how transportation routes influence the arrangement of different sectors in the Sector Model Theory.
  • Transportation routes play a crucial role in shaping the arrangement of sectors in the Sector Model Theory. Major highways, railroads, and public transit lines can dictate where industries locate and where residents choose to live. For example, areas with easy access to transportation tend to attract industrial activities and working-class housing due to lower costs and greater accessibility. Conversely, high-income residential areas may emerge farther from transportation hubs as wealthier residents seek more space and amenities while still benefiting from accessible routes. This dynamic leads to distinct spatial patterns within urban settings.
• Evaluate the relevance of Sector Model Theory in contemporary urban planning and how it addresses current urban challenges.
  • The relevance of Sector Model Theory in contemporary urban planning lies in its ability to highlight spatial dynamics and socioeconomic segregation within cities. By recognizing how different sectors interact with transportation systems and economic conditions, planners can better address issues like affordable housing, public transportation access, and community services. Furthermore, as cities grow and evolve, understanding these sector-based patterns helps inform zoning regulations and development initiatives that aim to create more integrated and equitable urban environments. Despite its limitations, this theory continues to provide insights into managing urban growth effectively.

Related terms

Concentric Zone Model:

A model of urban land use developed by sociologist Ernest Burgess, which suggests that cities grow in a series of concentric circles around a central point.

Central Business District (CBD):

The commercial and business center of a city, typically characterized by high land values and a concentration of business activities.

Urbanization:

The process by which more of a population comes to live in urban areas, often leading to changes in land use and urban structure.