The dynamics of social specialisation in a system of cities
Résumé
Differences in the social composition of population between cities are not as important as residential social segregation phenomena inside cities. However, an interurban social segregation does exist, even if it is not so often perceived and described. The social specialization of cities is linked with two structuring features of the urban systems, the hierarchy of size and functions and the economic specialization. According to a longitudinal study of French cities over thirty years, we can relate the interurban social segregation process to the uneven diffusion of the innovation waves within the urban system. It gives rise to differences in social profiles of cities which, once created, are maintained by further evolution. The unequal quality of the “urban images” generated by their social profiles is reflected in the global attractiveness of cities. Therefore, they contribute to shape the further channels of innovation diffusion in the urban system.
Domaines
Géographie
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)