Abstract
D.Phil.
Authors and researchers from disciplines studying the relationship between
social processes and spatial patterns agree that the characteristics
of society, specifically the divisions within society, are mirrored
in the residential structure of the city. The transformation of
the former into discernible patterns of residential differentiation is
effected by four mechanisms. These are residential mobility, the housing
market, institutions and socio-spatial engineering, i.e. the
manipulation of social and spatial structures by those in power to
achieve certain social and political-ideological goals.
The purpose of this study is firstly, to analyse the functioning of
the mechanisms which shape the residential structure and secondly, to
describe the divisions in society, i.e. , the socio-political basis of
the South African metropolis, against the backdrop of its spatial implications
on the residential structure. Thirdly, to describe the
characteristics of the structure in terms of its spatial patterns and
distinctive characteristics and lastly, to construct an explanatory
model of the structure...