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Comparative analysis of factors affecting inequalities in the urban-rural housing system (case study: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province)
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Salar Omidi  , Alireza Estelaji * , Mohammad Ali Khaliji Oskouei |
| Yadegar-e-Imam Khomeini (RAH) Shahre Rey Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. , alirezaestelaji@iau.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (65 Views) |
Objective: Rural–urban settlement inequality is one of the major challenges in regional development in Iran. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing settlement system inequalities in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province and to provide an explanatory model for achieving balanced development.
Method: The research employed a descriptive–analytical approach with a mixed-method design (quantitative–qualitative). The statistical sample comprised 384 urban and rural residents (determined using Cochran’s formula) and 20 experts (selected purposively). Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and spatial analyses. Analytical procedures included statistical tests (t-test, ANOVA, regression), spatial analysis using GIS, the Delphi technique, and the MICMAC method.
Results: Results indicated that outward migration in rural areas (22.3 persons) was significantly higher than in urban areas (12.5 persons) (p < 0.001). Urban per capita income (12.3 million Toman) was significantly higher than that in rural areas (7.4 million Toman), and access to infrastructure in cities (3.10) was significantly better than in villages (2.20). MICMAC analysis identified three key drivers—water scarcity and climate change, lack of economic infrastructure, and policy inefficiency—as the main triggers of inequality. The Delphi technique, with a mean consensus score of 4.8 for extensive migration and 4.9 for water scarcity, confirmed the importance of these factors.
Conclusion: Settlement system inequalities in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province result from the interplay of socio-demographic, economic, and environmental factors. The proposed model suggests that rural infrastructure investment, optimal water resource management, and improvement of development policies can reduce inequalities and promote balanced regional development.
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| Keywords: Settlement system, Urban–rural inequality, MICMAC, GIS, Foresight, Balanced development |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
سکونتگاههای شهری و روستایی
Received: 2025/09/26 | Accepted: 2026/01/4
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