Spatial Zoning of Urban Poverty Areas, as Indicated by Socio-Economic Factors: (A Case Study of Shahriar City).

Introduction

Urban poverty in Shahryar city is a multifaceted issue shaped by a complex interplay of economic, social, and spatial factors. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is imperative for developing effective strategies aimed at alleviating poverty and enhancing the quality of life for residents. This study investigates the socioeconomic indicators that contribute to the formation of poverty zones in Shahryar, with the objective of providing insights that can guide targeted interventions and promote sustainable urban development.

The significance of this research lies in its potential to offer a detailed analysis of the spatial distribution of poverty within Shahryar. By mapping areas most affected by poverty and identifying the underlying socioeconomic causes, this study aims to enable policymakers to strategically allocate resources and design interventions that address the root causes of poverty rather than merely alleviating its symptoms. The research is driven by two central questions: (1) Which socioeconomic indicators have the greatest impact on the formation of urban poverty zones in Shahryar? (2) What is the relationship between these indicators and the spatial distribution of impoverished neighborhoods in Shahryar? Answering these questions is crucial for understanding the factors contributing to poverty concentration and developing effective strategies to break the cycle of urban poverty.



Methodology

This study employs an applied research approach, utilizing a descriptive-analytical method to assess the socioeconomic conditions in Shahryar city. The research framework is designed to systematically evaluate the impact of various socioeconomic indicators on the formation of poverty zones. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis with spatial mapping to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.



The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model is used to assign weights to selected indicators, reflecting their relative importance in influencing poverty. AHP is particularly useful in this context as it allows for a structured decision-making process where multiple criteria are considered simultaneously. This is followed by the application of the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) model, which is used to rank the city's blocks based on their socioeconomic status. TOPSIS is effective in this study because it facilitates the comparison of multiple alternatives and identifies the best-performing areas relative to an ideal solution.



The indicators analyzed in this study include employment status, marital status, home ownership, literacy rates, vehicle ownership, and computer access. These indicators were selected based on their relevance to urban poverty and their potential to influence the socioeconomic dynamics of Shahryar city. Employment status is a critical indicator as it directly affects income levels and economic stability. Marital status and home ownership are also significant, as they are closely linked to social stability and economic security. Literacy rates serve as a proxy for educational attainment, which is crucial for long-term economic mobility. Vehicle ownership and computer access were included as indicators of material wealth and access to technology, respectively, although they were expected to have a lesser impact on poverty.



The study quantifies the influence of each indicator by calculating their respective coefficients, which represent the degree to which they contribute to the formation of poverty zones. This quantitative analysis is complemented by spatial mapping, which visualizes the distribution of poverty across the city's blocks. The combination of these methods provides a robust analysis of the socioeconomic landscape of Shahryar city and allows for the identification of key areas where poverty is most concentrated.

Results and discussion

The findings of this study reveal a complex picture of urban poverty in Shahryar city. Among the indicators analyzed, employment emerged as the most significant factor, with a coefficient of 0.244. This indicates that employment status has the greatest influence on the socioeconomic conditions of the city's residents. The strong correlation between employment and poverty underscores the importance of job creation and economic development in reducing urban poverty. Without stable employment opportunities, residents are more likely to experience economic insecurity, which in turn exacerbates other forms of social and economic deprivation.



Home ownership and literacy were also found to have a significant impact on the spatial distribution of poverty, with coefficients of 0.207 and 0.215, respectively. Home ownership is often associated with long-term economic stability and wealth accumulation, making it a critical factor in determining socioeconomic status. Literacy, on the other hand, is a key determinant of an individual's ability to access higher-paying jobs and improve their economic prospects. The study's findings suggest that efforts to increase home ownership and improve literacy rates could have a substantial impact on reducing poverty in Shahryar.



In contrast, vehicle ownership and computer access, with coefficients of 0.15 each, were found to be less influential in shaping poverty zones. While these indicators are important measures of material wealth and access to technology, they do not appear to play as central a role in the formation of poverty zones as employment, home ownership, and literacy. This finding suggests that while access to material resources is important, it is not sufficient on its own to address the root causes of poverty.



The spatial analysis conducted in this study revealed that a significant portion of Shahryar city is affected by poverty. Only 10% of the city's blocks were found to be in good socioeconomic condition, while 43% were classified as poor or relatively poor. This stark contrast highlights the uneven distribution of wealth and resources within the city and underscores the need for targeted interventions in the most affected areas.



Conclusion

This study concludes that socioeconomic indicators, particularly employment, literacy, and home ownership, are pivotal in understanding and addressing urban poverty in Shahryar. These factors not only define the current socioeconomic status of neighborhoods but also perpetuate a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break without targeted interventions. The research suggests that policies aimed at enhancing job opportunities, improving literacy rates, and expanding access to affordable housing are essential. Additionally, spatial planning and development policies should be implemented to foster economically vibrant communities and reduce spatial disparities in poverty across the city.



Keywords: Poverty Areas, Social Indicators, Economic Indicators, Shahriar City.