The term "urban ghettoes" refers to impoverished areas within cities, typically inhabited by minorities. The word "ghetto" is derived from Italian and refers to a restricted quarter where Jews were required to live in earlier times. This term has been adapted to describe other segregated neighborhoods. The spelling of "ghetto" is /ˈɡɛtəʊ/, with a hard "g" and a short "e" sound. The term "urban" is spelled /ˈɜːbən/, with an "uhr" sound for the first vowel. Together, they form the term "urban ghettoes".
Urban ghettoes refer to distinct areas within a city characterized by concentrated poverty, dilapidated infrastructure, high crime rates, and social problems such as unemployment, limited educational opportunities, and inadequate access to basic services. These areas are often inhabited by marginalized communities, minority groups, and individuals facing socioeconomic disadvantage.
Urban ghettoes typically result from a combination of historical, economic, and sociopolitical factors. Factors such as racial segregation, discriminatory housing practices, and limited economic opportunities contribute to the creation and perpetuation of these neighborhoods. They often suffer from disinvestment and neglect, resulting in a lack of resources and services that are crucial for the well-being and development of its residents.
The term "ghetto" originates from the Jewish ghettos that emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages, where Jewish populations were forced to live in segregated, impoverished areas. Over time, the term has been broadened to include urban areas characterized by poverty and neglect, specifically in relation to racial and ethnic minority populations.
Urban ghettoes can be detrimental to the quality of life and opportunities available to their residents. They often experience higher rates of crime, limited access to quality education, healthcare, and recreational facilities, as well as a higher likelihood of experiencing social exclusion and limited mobility. Efforts, both from governments and civil society, are made to address the issues faced by urban ghettoes, aiming to provide better living conditions, increased opportunities, and upliftment for the residents.
The word ghetto derives from the Italian word ghetto, which originally referred to the area in Venice where Jews were compelled to live during the 16th century. The Italian term itself is believed to have originated from the Venetian dialect word ghèto or geto, which means foundry or casting. This is because the area allocated for Jewish residence in Venice was previously occupied by a copper foundry.
Over time, the term ghetto gained a more general and negative connotation, being used to describe marginalized or segregated areas where certain ethnic or social groups were confined or concentrated.
The phrase urban ghettoes combines the term ghetto with the adjective urban to specify that it refers to marginalized and impoverished neighborhoods found in cities. The etymology of the word urban comes from the Latin word urbanus, which means of the city.