CONFERENCEMapping "left-behind places" in Latvia: a quantitative assessment using multivariate ranking and classification
Edvards Jurgis Auzans
University of Latvia
Maris Berzins 0000-0002-5773-3307
University of Latvia
E-mail: edvards_jurgis.auzans@lu.lv
DOI:
Keywords: nomales, reģionālās atšķirības, demogrāfiskās izmaiņas, nevienmērīga attīstība, polarizācija
Abstract
The notion of "left-behind places" has emerged as a prominent theme in the discourse of geographical inequalities and has gained widespread usage in urban and regional studies. This term is employed to denote the particularly salient challenges faced by former industrial and remote rural regions that have been adversely impacted by population decline, globalisation, economic shifts, and technological advancements. This research investigates demographic and socio-economic variables to classify and map "left-behind places," as well as more prosperous centres of development, across the regions of Latvia. This study employs a set of variables derived from the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, analysing quantitative data on demographic and social change as well as economic performance. The results were obtained through multivariate ranking and quantitative data-sorting analyses. This study identifies territorial units affected by deprivation and assesses the geographical patterns of "left-behind places" across regions. The findings provide critical insights for regional development policies by highlighting how different dimensions and temporalities of demographic and socio-economic changes necessitate varied policy responses.