Beyond the Suburban-Urban Divide: Convergence in Age Structures in Metropolitan Rome, Italy

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Published: Feb 22, 2020
Keywords:
Age pyramid demographic indicators city life cycle multivariate analysis Mediterranean city

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Gianluca Egidi
Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (DAFNE), Tuscia University, Italy
Luca Salvati
Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Italy

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis of local demographic structures by age allows a better understanding of complex processes of population re-distribution across large metropolitan regions. Based on these premises, local population age structures were studied at the spatial scale of urban districts in Rome’s metropolitan area (Italy) between 1971 and 2018. Results of this study indicate (i) a rapid suburbanization (1971-1991) consolidating distinct demographic structures in urban and rural areas, (ii) a less rapid disurbanization (1991-2011) with aging of suburban populations and (iii) a subsequent process of slow re-urbanization (2011-2018). Taken together, these phenomena have reduced the structural divide in urban (older) populations and suburban (younger) populations. Residential mobility contributed to a more balanced age structure during suburbanization and an increased urban-rural gap in the subsequent phases (disurbanization and re-urbanization). A refined analysis of long-term population dynamics in metropolitan regions reflects spatial outcomes and latent aspects of demographic transitions, shedding light on the debate over the future development of urban and rural societies in advanced economies.

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How to Cite
Egidi, G., & Salvati, L. (2020). Beyond the Suburban-Urban Divide: Convergence in Age Structures in Metropolitan Rome, Italy. Journal of Population and Social Studies [JPSS], 28(2), 130–142. Retrieved from https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jpss/article/view/202738
Issue
Vol. 28 No. 2 (2020): April - June
Section
Research Articles
Author Biography

Luca Salvati, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Italy

Corresponding author

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