- The function of a place is what that place actually does or what it is used for
- Different settlements can have similar and different functions
- The typical functions of an inner city: Shopping, banking services and council buildings for managing the city
- Places such as Bolton was mainly a cotton industry area, but the function changed due to industry change, now the function is more services whereas in the past it was manufacturing.
Demographic
Characteristics:
- Demography: Study of population
- Age structure of Manchester is similar to that of the UK
- Manchester has an increasing ageing population
- Ethnic diversity is also increasing
- Gentrification: The process of renovating and improving a house or district so it conforms to the middle class. In Bolton this is happening to housing estates
- Manchester is now more diverse leading people to identify themselves with new nationalities. But some groups feel isolated e.g African neighborhoods
- Religion diversity has increased. Caucasian groups tend to be Christian, there has been an increase in atheists and other religions. Finally the ageing population has increased
Reasons
For The Change:
- Physical factors
- Accessibility & connectedness = more immigrants
- Historical developments: Global shift, decline of cotton and the inner city
- Role of the local and national key players: Council and government spending on education, improving healthcare.