Socio-spatial change in the Belfast Urban Area, 1971–1981

Abstract

During the 1970s the Belfast Urban Area has been subject to the combined impact of the Troubles, economic recession, population movement and redevelopment. This study seeks to identify the socio-spatial outcomes of these forces. A factorial ecology of 1981 census data is presented, and this is compared with a previously published analysis. 1971 data. While much of the social geography of the city remains unchanged, a rise in the overall social class level of the city has occurred, and this has modified the class distribution. An increasing separation of young single households from married family households, and increased segregation on ethnic grounds are evident.

Keywords:

• Belfast
• Factorial Ecology
• social areas
• census data