One of the problems associated with spatial assimilation theory is its approach on the social geography of the suburb areas. The theory provides the idea that the suburb areas are a white neighborhood entirely. In addition, it gives the notion that the suburbs have superior housing. However, the suburb areas have minority populations and may have a presence of houses that the minority population can afford. Thus, the spatial assimilation theory depicts the suburban areas as the ideal place for an American cultural background that is predominantly meant for the whites. Instead of reducing the issue of race, the theory tends to aggravate the situation.
In addition, another problem that Wright, Ellis, and Parks have with the spatial assimilation theory is the use of whiteness as an indicator in the analysis. This brings up the problem of black segregation and isolation of neighborhood areas that have non-white populations. Instead of reducing the issue of race, the theory tends to aggravate the situation. One needs to understand that, immigration of the non-white population is based on their level of social connectivity. Additionally, movement of non-whites into suburban areas based on the spatial assimilation theory can be viewed to have a harmful effect on the socio-economic status of the suburban neighborhoods.
Furthermore, based on the spatial assimilation theory, one can develop the idea that suburban areas are well endowed with social amenities that are not available to other minority populations that may be living in areas such as the city. This provides the idea that people moving to suburban areas have the ability to sustain and live good lives. On the contrary, migration to suburban areas from the city may be caused by the need to have better housing than that which is in the city.
Work Cited
Wright, Richard, Mark Ellis, and Virginia Parks. "Re-Placing Whiteness in Spatial Assimilation
Research." City & Community 4.2 (2005): 111-135. Print.
