|
Comparative analysis of factors affecting inequalities in the urban-rural housing system; case study: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province
|
Salar Omidi  , Alireza Estelaji *  , Mohammad Ali Khaliji Oskouei |
| Department of Geography, Yadegar-e-Imam Khomeini (RAH) Shahre Rey Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. , alirezaestelaji@iau.ac.ir |
|
|
Abstract: (514 Views) |
Objective: Urban–rural settlement system inequalities are considered one of the most important challenges of regional development in Iran, carrying wide-ranging consequences in social, economic, spatial, and environmental dimensions. The intensification of these inequalities, particularly in less-developed provinces with environmental constraints, has led to increased rural–urban migration, reduced sustainability of rural settlements, and a growing concentration of population and services in urban centers. In this context, the present study was conducted with the aim of a comprehensive analysis of the factors affecting urban–rural settlement system inequalities in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province and the presentation of an explanatory model for achieving balanced regional development.
Method: In terms of nature, the research is descriptive–analytical, and in terms of methodology, it is based on a mixed quantitative–qualitative approach. The statistical population included urban and rural residents of the province and experts in the field of regional planning and development. The sample size of residents was determined as 384 individuals based on Cochran’s formula, and the expert sample consisted of 20 individuals selected purposively. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and spatial data. Inferential statistical tests (t-test, ANOVA, and regression), spatial analyses based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the Delphi technique, and the MICMAC structural analysis method were employed for data analysis.
Results: The 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 the improvement of development policies can reduce inequalities and promote balanced regional development.
|
|
| Keywords: Settlement system, Urban–rural inequality, MICMAC, GIS, Foresight, Balanced development. |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 1307 kb]
(55 Downloads)
|
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
سکونتگاههای شهری و روستایی
Received: 2025/09/26 | Accepted: 2026/01/4 | Published: 2026/03/15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
