A factorial analysis of age-related changes in the spatial structure of three Puerto Rican cities

Abstract

This study employed factor analysis of census tract data for three Puerto Rican cities, San Juan, Ponce, and Mayaguez, in 1960 and 1970 to test the general hypotheses that economic development (1) transforms the pattern of spatial distribution of populations of cities in underdeveloped areas to resemble that of cities in developed areas (i.e., a "convergence" phenomenon), and that (2) this transformation involves the emergence of aged and late life cycle factors as major determinants of urban spatial distribution in these cities. Both hypotheses were substantially confirmed in connection with differences between stages (city comparisons) and in connection with time differences (comparisons between 1960 and 1970). It is concluded that spatial differentiation on the basis of age and life stage are major features of the economic development of cities. Policy implications of these findings are discussed.