An Ecological Study of Ethnic Groups in Hamilton

Abstract

<p> Hamilton has been affected by waves of foreign immigrants moving into the city since the beginning of this century. The resulting admixture of ethnic groups has produced a varied spatial pattern which forms the focus of analysis in this paper. </p> <p> A review of the literature on various ethnic enclaves in different cities of the world serves to focus this ecological study of ethnic groups in Hamilton. </p> <p> The historical and cultural background of Hamilton and the distributional pattern of the major ethnic communities are described. The factors influencing the distribution of ethnic groups in the city are then examined by means of factor analysis and regression analysis of 1971 census data. </p> <p> The analysis shows well distributed homogenous ethnic enclaves varying in their spatial concentration. As a whole it may be described as a mosaic with a high concentration of ethnic groups in the northern part of the city, north~east and west end. </p> <p> The results confirm the importance of ethnic dimensions within the social and spatial structure of the city and the importance of socioeconomic status and housing characteristics in influencing the distribution of ethnic groups. </p>