102170 PEOPLE, PLACE AND SOCIAL DIFFERENCE - ASSIGNMENT 1

Task:

PART III: EXPLANATION OF REASONS FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIFFERENCES 

(500 words - 10 marks)

Many reasons contribute to the differences in the areas of a particular city based on their income, education, health and occupation, employment, community safety, access to medical care that affects the social status of an individual in the society. The differences in the socio-economic differences also contribute to both the physical and mental health issues and the wellbeing of the residents of the city (Connell 2005).

The socio-economic differences of Hornsby and Croydon are based on many factors. Hornsby, because of its geographical; location in Sydney, is considered an all-rounder suburb. This suburb has everything that is needed for a nice living, due to which the residents do not feel the need to go anywhere else. It has a vast complex, marts, grocery stores, and warehouses. For the family activities, there are many swimming pools, parks, and excellent fancy restaurants. It also has one of the best railway connectivity anywhere in Sydney, giving it a plus point and quick access to the Central Coast, which many people admire. In Australia, 21 million people, or 85% of the Australians, live within 31 miles of the ocean, making the coastal areas very suitable for trade and settlement, explaining the more significant number of populations in Hornsby than Croydon. Hornsby is also very green, which is very important because people feel connected to nature, and families like to live in such a peaceful environment. There are various trails in this suburb and have several cinemas for friends and families. At the same time, the Croydon is not as fancy as the other suburbs but is located close to the Sydney Central Business District (CBD). Living in Croydon is not as expensive as compared to Hornsby. Still, this suburb does not hold that many facilities as the other suburbs in Sydney, as discussed earlier in the socio-economic section. Hornsby is also the most extensive local government area (Hulse et al. 2014).

Many foreigners overseas also reside in Hornsby, which gives this suburban edge over other suburbs because of the many authentic restaurants that can be found there. The things that the residents of Hornsby dislike are the ever-growing traffic because of the increase of the population and the businesses in the suburb, which contributes to the overwhelming work life.

Croydon also has some good parks and good schools which the residents very much adore. The prices of homes in Croydon are relatively cheaper as compared to Hornsby. The crime rates are among the lowest in Croydon than that of the well-established suburbs. The main drawback of this suburb is that minimal nightlife activities can be seen but can also be considered above the median price of Sydney based on living. 

Another major disadvantage seen in Croydon is the social exclusion affecting the socio-economic differences of both the suburbs. It was also one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Sydney, but the setbacks were reported due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Use at least two (2) academic sources (i.e. journal articles, books chapters or books), and the lectures from this unit, to explain some of the main reasons for the socio-economic differences you have identified between your comparison suburbs in Part II.