Lessons Learned from Testing the Differential Urbanisation Model

Abstract

This paper summarises the usefulness of the differential urbanisation model, to characterise regional urban development in terms of a temporal sequence of stages from urbanisation through polarisation reversal to counter-urbanisation, as revealed in nine empirical tests (Britain, Estonia, Finland, Western Germany, India, Italy, Russia, South Africa, and Turkey). First, results of the testing are summarised. Based on the results of these nine empirical tests, we attempt to answer the question 'Did the differential urbanisation model fit reality?' Also discussed are modifications to the model suggested during the course of empirical testing. Then directions for future testing and improvements to the model are suggested.

Selectivity and destinations of ethnic minorities leaving the main gateway cities of Estonia

“…Tallinn and the major industrial cities in Ida‐Virumaa or North East Estonia were the main gateway cities on the one hand, and they also gained as a result of internal migration of immigrants within Estonia (Kulu, 2004). Some locational differences between majority (dispersed) and minority (concentrated) populations are common in most immigrant societies (Frey and Liaw, 1998; Kontuly and Geyer, 2003; Lindgren, 2003). However, we would like to highlight that Soviet labour and housing policies, such as immigration‐based industrialisation and central housing allocation (Gentile and Sjöberg, 2010; Tammaru, 2002), exacerbated and strengthened ethnic spatial separation in the former Soviet Union, including in Estonia.…”

Towards a Theoretical Exploration of the Differential Urbanisation Model in Sub‐saharan Africa: The Botswana Case

“…44–59). It is the latter thrust that informs the focus of this paper since it investigates the theoretical aspects of the processes, within the evolution context of the Botswana settlement system, that have been recently articulated in the context of the differential urbanisation model (Kontuly & Geyer 2003a, b).…”

The CHilean Internal Migration (CHIM) database: Temporally consistent spatial data for the analysis of human mobility

“…Empirical evidence suggests that as urban systems mature, they develop a hierarchical network of primary, intermediate, and small cities (Kontuly, Geyer 2005). Cities appear to have progressed through cyclical concentration and deconcentration phases, starting with urbanization, followed by polarization reversal, counter-urbanization and re-urbanization.…”