Work and Residence in Urban Labour Markets

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between the labour market and the spatial organisation of urban areas. A 'disintegration thesis' is introduced which argues that the separation of social groups by residence reflects the occupational divisions in the local labour force. The redistribution of paid work which accompanies structural change in the labour market is therefore expected to be reflected in changes to the spatial organisation of employment. Primary mechanisms are the decentralisation of employment opportunities from the city centre, reductions in the length of the journey to work and the closer geographic clustering of home and work. The argument is illustrated with data from the Wellington region.