The Development of Ethnic Diversity of American Suburbs and Its Effects Since 1970s

摘要

As the world's first suburbanized country, American suburbs have distinctive class and racial characteristics of the white middle class. Since the 1970s, however, America's suburbs have housed an influx of minorities who are changing the class identity and homogeneity of the white middle class in suburban America. The suburban class and ethnic diversity results from the increase of minority population and socioeconomic status, the suburbanization of industry, commerce and real estate, and the improvement of transportation technology. The suburban migration of ethnic minorities started in 1970s and entered the stage of rapid development in 1990s. The paths differ in ethnic minorities, and with the obvious regional differences. The ethnic diversity in suburbs alleviates the situation of racial segregation and increases the opportunities for ethnic minorities to participate in politics and affects the political pattern of the United States.