Define 'Urban morphology' Illustrate at least two models of urban land use with suitable examples. What is meant by "Occupational structure".

Urban Morphology:-

Urban morphology refers to the physical layout, structure, and form of urban areas. It involves studying the patterns of land use, building types, transportation networks, and other physical characteristics that shape the appearance and organization of cities. Urban morphology is concerned with how cities evolve, grow, and adapt over time, considering factors like historical development, cultural influences, economic activities, and urban planning.

Models of Urban Land Use:-

1. Concentric Zone Model (Burgess, 1925):-
   This model suggests that cities grow outward in concentric rings from a central business district (CBD). The rings are characterized by different land use patterns:
   • CBD: The central hub for economic activities and administrative functions.
   • Zone of Transition: Surrounding the CBD, this area contains older housing and declining industrial activities.
   • Zone of Working-Class Homes: Here, you'll find modest homes for the working class.
   • Zone of Better Residences: More affluent residents reside in this zone, featuring single-family homes.
   • Commuter Zone: The outermost ring is where wealthier residents live in suburban areas and commute to the city for work.

   Example: Chicago, USA, during the early 20th century, exhibited a pattern similar to the concentric zone model with its distinct rings of urban land use.

2. Sector Model (Hoyt, 1939):-
   The sector model suggests that cities develop in wedges or sectors radiating out from the CBD. Certain activities or land uses are attracted to specific sectors:
   • CBD: Central business and administrative functions.
   • Transport/Industrial Sector: Transportation routes and industrial activities extend outward from the CBD along major transportation routes.
   • Low-Class Residential Sector: Low-income housing clusters in areas adjacent to industrial zones.
   • Middle-Class Residential Sector: More affluent housing areas develop along major transportation corridors.
   • High-Class Residential Sector: Upscale housing areas extend outward from the CBD in different directions.

   Example: The city of Los Angeles, USA, with its distinct sectoral development along transportation corridors, exemplifies the sector model.

Occupational Structure:-

Occupational structure refers to the distribution of the workforce across different types of jobs, professions, and industries within a society or an economy. It provides insights into the diversity of economic activities and the roles individuals play in contributing to the economy.

Occupational structure can be analyzed by various criteria:

• Industry:- The sector or field in which individuals work, such as agriculture, manufacturing, services, etc.
• Skill Level:- Distinguishing between skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled labor.
• Formal Education:- Categorizing occupations based on educational qualifications.
• Income:- Grouping occupations by income levels.

Understanding occupational structure is essential for policymakers, economists, and sociologists to comprehend the dynamics of labor markets, income distribution, economic development, and trends in employment. It also helps identify potential areas of growth and the need for skill development or job retraining programs.