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Multidimensional spatial inequality in China and its relationship with economic growth

Author

Listed:
  • Haimeng Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Liwei Wang

    (National Development and Reform Commission of China)

  • Jinzhou Wang

    (Wuhan University)

  • Hangtian Ming

    (Wuhan University)

  • Xuankuang Wu

    (Wuhan University)

  • Gang Xu

    (Wuhan University)

  • Shengwu Zhang

    (Anhui University of Finance and Economics)

Abstract

Spatial inequality erodes social cohesion and political stability, impacting global sustainable development and human well-being. This study examines spatial inequality in China across economic, social, environmental, infrastructural, and innovation dimensions, exploring how these inequalities evolve with economic development. Drawing on the Sustainable Development Goals and Chinese planning goals, we selected 13 indicators pertinent to human well-being. We employed the population-weighted coefficient of variation, Gini coefficient, and Moran’s I to assess spatial inequalities and analyzed their relationship with economic growth. The findings reveal that China currently exhibits the highest spatial inequality in innovation and the lowest in the social dimension. Since 1990, most indicators have trended towards decreasing spatial inequality, except for unemployment rates and carbon emissions, which have increased. The economic and innovation gap between the eastern coastal regions and the central and western regions has widened, whereas disparities in housing, healthcare, roads, and digitalization have narrowed. China’s experience demonstrates that Williamson’s inverted U-shaped hypothesis extends beyond the economic domain to encompass education, healthcare, infrastructure, and digitalization, providing policy insights for addressing regional inequalities in China in the post-pandemic era.

Suggested Citation

  • Haimeng Liu & Liwei Wang & Jinzhou Wang & Hangtian Ming & Xuankuang Wu & Gang Xu & Shengwu Zhang, 2024. "Multidimensional spatial inequality in China and its relationship with economic growth," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:11:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-024-03961-y
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-03961-y
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