Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes ghettoization?

1. The voluntary clustering of similar groups

2. The intended mix of diverse communities within a city

3. The involuntary concentration of a specific group in a residential area

4. The establishment of multicultural neighborhoods

The correct answer is: The involuntary concentration of a specific group in a residential area

Ghettoization is best described as the involuntary concentration of a specific group in a residential area. This process often occurs due to socio-economic factors, discrimination, and segregation, which lead certain groups—often based on ethnicity, race, or socioeconomic status—to be confined to specific urban areas, frequently characterized by limited resources and opportunities. In urban studies and human geography, ghettoization reflects systemic inequalities where marginalized communities face challenges accessing better housing, employment, and services, resulting in a cycle of poverty and social isolation. This phenomenon can also perpetuate negative stereotypes and social stigmas about the communities involved. The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of ghettoization. Voluntary clustering of similar groups refers to individuals choosing to live near one another based on shared interests or cultural similarities, which is fundamentally different from the forced nature of ghettoization. A mix of diverse communities within a city and multicultural neighborhoods highlight integration and coexistence, rather than the separation and isolation characteristic of ghettoization.