Geography GCSE Case Study: Distribution of Ethnic and Social Groups

13.2% (in England at 9.1%) of population is 'non-white' (4.1% increase since 1991). Pakistani is the largest 'non-white' ethnic groups at 2.7% (8,6% in Park Ward). Black African community up 1% to 1.6% from 1991 however the Black Caribbean community has decreased by 0.5% to 2.2% (highest proportion in Battle Ward at 4.9%)

Muslim is the third largest religion in Reading (behind Christian,62.6%, and no religion,22%) at 4% in Reading and 11% in Park Ward.

The largest proportion of Asians is in the Park Ward at 15% whereas largest Black proportion is the Battle Ward at 8.2%. AB (higher and intermediate managerial/ administrative/ professional) and C1 (supervisory; clerical ; junior) at 58.6% (Reading) and 62.2% (Berkshire) compared to England at 51.9%. In Reading E (unemployed, benefits and lowest grade workers) is at 12.3% whereas England at 16%.

Whitley is the most deprived area in Reading and Thames the least. Reading has 8 SOAs within the most deprived 20% in England.

Reasons for social/ethnic segregation in Reading;

• Land Values- affordable areas such as Whitely, Abbey and Church
• Clustering of immigrants of similar race, ethnicity or nationality.
• Discrimination, hostility and isolation
• Language and culture barrier
• Education for children