What urban growth theory is attributed to the research work of geographer E.W. Burgess?

E.W. Burgess, an influential geographer, developed the Concentric Zone Theory, which is a model that describes urban land use in a series of concentric circles emanating from the center of a city. This theory is based on the idea that cities grow in a pattern from the inside out, starting with a central business district (CBD) surrounded by zones of different types of residential and commercial use.

The first zone is typically the CBD, followed by zones of transition, working-class housing, middle-class homes, and finally, commuter zones. This model was one of the first attempts to systematically explain urban social structures and land use patterns, highlighting how socio-economic status and distance from the city center relate to residential patterns.

Burgess's theory was significant because it introduced a framework for understanding urban organization that influenced later theories in urban geography. It has practical applications in urban planning and policy and serves as a foundational concept in the field of urban studies. The Concentric Zone Theory remains relevant in discussions about urban development and socio-economic dynamics within cities.