Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam 2025 - Free AP Human Geography Practice Questions and Study Guide

A ghetto is typically defined as an ethnic enclave where residents live segregated by race, religion, or ethnicity. This term originated from the historical context of Jewish communities in Europe, particularly in the 16th century when Jews were required to reside in specific areas that were often overcrowded and economically disadvantaged. Over time, the term has evolved to refer to neighborhoods where minority groups face social, economic, or political barriers that result in residential segregation.

In modern contexts, ghettos often manifest as urban neighborhoods characterized by limited access to resources such as quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. This segregation can be enforced both through systemic factors, such as redlining or discriminatory lending practices, and through social practices that lead to residential separation. By highlighting the connection between the geographic location of these communities and the socioeconomic factors influencing them, the definition of a ghetto encapsulates the challenges faced by marginalized populations in urban settings.