Urban and Rural Income Gap: Does Urban Spatial Form Matter in China?

Abstract

This research uses satellite remote sensing data to measure the urban spatial form and analyzes the impact of changes to urban spatial structure on the income gap between urban and rural residents. The results indicate that the compactness of the urban spatial form is positively correlated with the income gap between urban and rural residents. However, there is no statistically significant relationship between the urban spatial extension rate and the urban–rural income gap. A subsequent analysis of the control variables shows that fiscal policy is positively correlated while urbanization is negatively correlated with the income gap between urban and rural residents. These conclusions provide the basis for formulating policies to narrow the urban–rural income gap. Appropriately reducing the spatial compactness of cities can narrow the income gap. In addition, changing excessive preferences for urban fiscal policy and increasing the level of urbanization can also promote a reduction in the income gap between urban and rural residents.

Achieving sustainable development by reducing income inequality: The differential impact of industrial land expansion in urban agglomerations

“…Moreover, the urban-oriented financial expenditure structure prevalent in developing countries gives urban residents substantial advantages over rural residents in terms of access to housing, education, medical care, and other social benefits. The findings of some scholars also proved this result (Liu & Long, 2021;Zhong et al, 2022). The increase in the proportion of second industry is conducive to narrowing the urban-rural income gap, which also confirms the shrinking effect of the expansion scale.…”

Income Inequality in Africa: Exploring the Interaction Between Urbanization and Governance Quality

“…4 However, to our knowledge, no study has looked at the relationship between urbanization and income inequality using these new income inequality indicators. Consistent with these arguments, it compels us to consider a further investigation, which has been highly recommended by previous studies (Liu & Long, 2021;Sulemana et al, 2019).…”

The Impact of Urban–Rural Integration on Food Security: Evidence from Provincial Panel Data in China

“…Utilizing four dimensions-urban-rural spatial integration, economic integration, social integration, and ecological integration-a set of 22 indicators was established, covering 16 aspects including spatial aggregation level, spatial connectivity efficiency, digitalization level, population density, economic conditions, industrial structure, employment situation, resident income, consumer spending, technological progress, education inclusivity, material foundation, pursuit of cultural life, healthcare, vegetation greening, and energy consumption. The objective was to construct a multidimensional evaluation index system that comprehensively reflects the actual level of urban-rural integration in China [52][53][54]. Through the comprehensive assessment of these indicators, it becomes possible to accurately reflect the differences and development situations of the urban-rural integration level across different provinces in China.…”

“…Typically, government interventions propel economic growth via specific institutional frameworks. Liu et al [54] observed a pervasive trend across developing countries where fiscal allocations are disproportionately skewed towards urban areas, thereby endowing urban dwellers with a social welfare advantage over their rural counterparts, and fostering a disparity in development between urban and rural regions. Such fiscal practices could hinder the equitable distribution of resources based on market demands, leading to discrepancies in resource allocation across sectors.…”