CONFERENCEMapping urban shrinkage: socioeconomic and demographic dimensions of urban contradiction in small towns in Latvia
Niks Stafeckis
Maris Berzins 0000-0002-5773-3307
University of Latvia
Email: niks.stafeckis@lu.lv
DOI: 10.22364/fg.21.3
Keywords: urban shrinkage, small towns, socio-demographic change, census, hierarchical cluster analysis
Abstract
Urban shrinkage is a complex phenomenon affecting many regions globally, with small towns in old industrial regions often experiencing the most severe impacts. This study aims to examine the patterns of urban shrinkage in the small towns of Latvia, focusing on socioeconomic and demographic dimensions. We drew on data from the 2000 and 2021 censuses. Employing hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), we analysed data from 48 small towns in Latvia. Our research revealed distinct geographical differences in urban shrinkage patterns, highlighting the uneven nature of this process across the country. This study unveils two primary clusters of urban shrinkage. The first is characterised by a combination of geographical location and demographic factors, while the second is mainly determined by the socio-economic indicators considered. Our findings reveal that small towns in non-metropolitan regions, particularly the border regions of the country, exhibit higher levels of population decline and worse demographic indicators. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on urban shrinkage by providing a nuanced understanding of its manifestation in the case of Latvia. Our findings have implications for regional development policies in Latvia and underscore the need for tailored strategies to address the challenges caused by urban shrinkage.