The Ghetto Model and Ethnic Concentration in Australian Cities

Urban geographers frequently use the concept of the ghetto as a linguistic device for describing the concentrations of ethnic groups (mainly though not exclusively immigrants) within the residential fabric of metropolitan areas. The validity of this metaphor has been questioned by a number of analysts, however, notably Peach who has provided strong evidence of the lack of ghettos in Great Britain. This paper adapts his approach to the Australian situation and explores the existence of ghetto-like concentrations in its metropolitan areas. It finds very little evidence of such exclusive residential areas there, casting further doubt on the general applicability of the ghetto model. [Key words: ghetto, cities, birthplace, Australia thresholds.]