Population distribution and urban growth in Southern Italy, 1871-2011: emergent polycentrism or path-dependent monocentricity?

摘要: This study assesses changes in population distribution and the expansion of urban settlements Southern Italy between 1871 2011. Four demographic phases are identified: (i) spatially balanced, mild growth (1871–1921); (ii) moderate increase concentrated coastal lowland areas (1921–1951); (iii) rapid diffused (1951–1981); (iv) stability with settlement dispersion (1981–2011). While years preceding 1980s reinforced polarization rich poor along urban-to-rural gradient, since early 1990s both rural showed dynamics that consolidated low-density scattered around largest cities. path, however, does not reflect evolution towards a more balanced development, as observed other European regions. Causes consequences persistence fragmented hierarchy dense sprawl m...