Urban Sociology
Mohammad Reza Zamiri; mahin nastaran; Mahmoud Ghalehnoee
Abstract
Highlights:
- Socio-spatial segregation at the urban neighborhood level is a significant manifestation of spatial inequality and injustice, affecting the overall quality of urban life and access to resources.
- The main objective of this research is to assess and quantify the social and spatial segregation ...
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Highlights:
- Socio-spatial segregation at the urban neighborhood level is a significant manifestation of spatial inequality and injustice, affecting the overall quality of urban life and access to resources.
- The main objective of this research is to assess and quantify the social and spatial segregation of ethnic groups within the neighborhoods of Bojnord, with a specific focus on understanding how these patterns have evolved over time.
- The research findings indicate that the clustering of the Turkmen population within Bojnord's neighborhoods has notably intensified between the years 1385 and 1395, signaling a growing trend of ethnic concentration.
- This study further explores the broader implications of residential segregation, particularly how it influences the quality of life, access to services, and social cohesion in urban neighborhoods.
Introduction:
In recent years, the study of socio-spatial segregation has gained increasing importance within the fields of urban and social sciences, especially with the advent of advanced computational tools that facilitate more precise measurements and analyses. Socio-spatial segregation at the neighborhood level represents one of the most visible and impactful forms of spatial inequality and social injustice within urban settings. By providing tools for effective measurement, researchers and policymakers can better evaluate and analyze the extent and severity of these inequalities, gaining insights into the distribution of resources and opportunities across different social groups.
Moreover, tracking the evolution of segregation over time within a specific geographical area allows for a deeper understanding of how urban development, migration patterns, and policy interventions influence the spatial organization of populations. This, in turn, sheds light on the degree to which citizens have equitable access to essential services, such as education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, as well as the overall quality of life in different urban neighborhoods.
Theoretical Framework:
The primary goal of this research is to measure the social and spatial segregation of ethnic groups within the neighborhoods of Bojnord and to analyze how these patterns have evolved over time. The central research question that guides this study is: What are the socio-spatial dimensions of residential segregation among ethnic groups in Bojnord, and how are these dimensions changing in response to broader social, economic, and political factors?
Since Bojnord's designation as the capital of North Khorasan province in 2003, the city has undergone rapid growth and transformation. Its population has nearly doubled, and its physical area has tripled by 2021, largely due to significant waves of migration from nearby villages, other cities, and even regions beyond the provincial borders. These demographic changes have inevitably led to shifts in the social and spatial organization of the city, raising important questions about the nature and consequences of residential segregation in this context.
Methodology:
The research employs a descriptive and analytical approach, utilizing the latest population statistics, along with data on the ethnic and religious composition of Bojnord's neighborhoods. This data was collected and analyzed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of residential segregation in the city. In addition, the study draws on population statistics and compositions from previous census periods, particularly those following Bojnord's designation as the provincial capital, to track changes in segregation patterns over time.
To measure the socio-spatial dimensions of residential segregation, the study utilizes the Geo-Segregation Analyzer software, which generates detailed maps to visualize the distribution and concentration of different ethnic and religious groups within the city. These maps provide a clear representation of how various social groups are spatially organized within Bojnord, highlighting areas of significant ethnic clustering and isolation.
Results and Discussion:
The analysis reveals that the distribution of populations, particularly those who have migrated to Bojnord in recent years, is heavily influenced by the city's ethnic and cultural diversity. Among the 26 districts of Bojnord, the highest dissimilarity index was observed between the Turkmen and Tat ethnicities, indicating a pronounced level of segregation between these two groups.
Despite the high concentration of Turkmen and Tat populations in certain neighborhoods, the Tat group does not exhibit significant spatial isolation compared to other ethnic groups. However, the clustering of the Turkmen population within Bojnord's neighborhoods increased markedly between 1385 and 1395, coinciding with a substantial influx of Turkmen immigrants during this period. This trend has continued in subsequent years, although at a slower pace, as immigration rates have declined recently.
The results of this study offer valuable insights into the extent and intensity of segregation among different social groups, both ethnic and religious, within Bojnord's neighborhoods. Various indicators were employed to measure the dimensions of residential segregation, revealing that much of the population growth in Bojnord over the past two decades has been driven by immigration rather than natural population growth. Immigrant groups, particularly those belonging to specific ethnic and religious communities, have tended to settle in neighborhoods where others of similar backgrounds are already concentrated, further reinforcing the spatial concentration of these groups in specific areas of the city.
Conclusion:
The findings of this research indicate that since Bojnord's designation as the capital of North Khorasan province, residential segregation among ethnic groups has intensified, with the Turkmen ethnic group showing the most significant growth in segregation indices. If this trend continues, it may lead to heightened social tensions and conflicts, as the spatial separation of ethnic groups can exacerbate existing inequalities and contribute to social fragmentation.
Given Bojnord's status as a provincial capital and its diverse ethnic composition, the social and spatial segregation of ethnic groups within urban neighborhoods poses significant challenges for urban planners and policymakers. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving the quality of life for all residents, ensuring equitable access to housing, support services, and opportunities in key areas such as employment, education, and healthcare. Policymakers must consider strategies to promote greater social integration and cohesion within the city, fostering a more inclusive and just urban environment for all its inhabitants.
Urban Planning
Mohammad Reza Zamiri; Mahsa Zamiri; Mahin Nastaran
Volume 5, Issue 17 , February 2016, , Pages 67-76
Abstract
Introduction
Appropriate shelter and affordable housing as an essential and vital human need and as one of the main and important elements in forming and physically developing cities have become the most important subject in spatial development and planning in contemporary urban areas. Housing, which ...
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Introduction
Appropriate shelter and affordable housing as an essential and vital human need and as one of the main and important elements in forming and physically developing cities have become the most important subject in spatial development and planning in contemporary urban areas. Housing, which by definition means a set of houses, streets and related facilities, is the most important component of a city and its development affects environment, economy, culture and social issues in an urban area. There are many indicators and criteria to evaluate housing conditions such as building quality (i.e. materials), property types, age, and density and so on. Nowadays the importance of spatial approach for studying urban aspects has become increasingly evident. Therefore, quantitative methods should be introduced and used to evaluate development trends in such spatial approach. Studying spatial aspects of urban housing development and analyzing distribution of its features does not have a long history in Iran.
Materials and Methods
In this research, as an applied research, descriptive and analytical methods were used. Thus, the required data was collected from statistical almanacs and results of a recent comprehensive census in 2011 and construction licenses which were authorized by the Bojnord municipality council during the 2004-2014 period. The general trend of spatial development of urban housing was studied and evaluated using quantitative methods such as Shanon's Entropy and Moran's Global Coefficient. The area of the city was divided into 26 subdivisions according to the approved detailed plan (2004). Then, spatial distribution of three main types of housing (one and two-store buildings, three and four-store buildings and more than four-store buildings) was derived through collected data and entered into a GIS database to apply the models. In addition, correlation analysis was used to clarify parameters which influence spatial changes in housing distribution in Bojnord.
Results and Discussion
This research is one of the first experiences in spatial analysis of distribution of housing properties at city level using quantitative methods. Bojnord is located in North-East Iran and is on average 1,070 meters above sea level and has a population of over 200,000 inhabitants. Current center of the city was formed during the Qajar dynasty, 350 years ago. Since upgrading to the center of North Khorasan province, Bojnord has experienced a rapid and sudden growth in physical, economic and social aspects and as a result in urban housing. Studying quality and process of urban housing growth and development in Bojnord during the aforementioned period using a spatial approach is the main goal of this research. After establishment of the new province, Bojnord has evolved in terms of shape and type of housing development trends. Except for the center of the city and margin areas (which are considered as informal settlements), it seems the trend of housing development in Bojnord aims toward more centralization and density. Such changes might be observed in emerging residential complexes and growing number of apartments in the city which can also be considered as evolving lifestyle in Bojnord.
Conclusion
Based on the results, increasing construction and housing development causes a more centralized pattern in urban housing. Such trend was caused by national elements such as inflation or deflation rather than local parameters such as population and land prices. On the other hand, it may be concluded that urban sprawl has not occurred in Bojnord in this period of time. In conclusion, all kinds of housing planning at all levels (national, regional or urban planning) should take spatial approach instead of leaning on merely physical aspects, and cannot be implemented and evaluated based only on internal factors and parameters.
