Residential Differentiation in the City of Hamilton from 1961 to 1981

Abstract

<p> This research identifies the socio-economic, demographic and ethnic composition changes that have occurred within the City of Hamilton from 1961 to 1981. Within this twenty-year time period, Hamilton has undergone growth, downtown renewal and gentrification. A statistical analysis of census data shows the extent to which these changes are reflected in the recent evolution of the socio-demographic structure of Hamilton.</p> <p> A factor analysis was performed on the data for each of the census years: 1961, 1971 and 1981. The factor scores were mapped to show the spatial distribution of socio-economic status, family status and ethnic composition. In general, the distributions conformed to the classical sectoral, zonal, and multiple nuclei models. The results revealed two areas where changes on these dimensions were most significant: the inner city and the Hamilton mountain.</p> </p> Statistical tests confirmed these changes. A significant increase in socio-economic status for the inner city area was observed in the period (1971-1981) following the renewal and gentrification. The mountain area retained its high family status throughout the twenty year time period, and ethnic composition became more dispersed throughout the city.</p>