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Social Infrastructure and Structural (Dis)advantage: A GIS-Based Equity Assessment

Schreiber, Fabio LU (2025) SIMZ51 20251
Graduate School
Abstract
This thesis analyses spatial inequalities in access to social infrastructure across
Skåne County, Sweden, with a focus on the differences between rural and urban
areas, as well as socio-demographic characteristics. Using geospatial analysis with
Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), the study analyses how socio-demographic factors correlate with accessibility in these regions. To measure accessibility, the research employs typology-specific thresholds that account for variations in population density. The results reveal disparities, with urban areas generally having broader access to services, while rural and peripheral regions face limitations in service availability. These disparities are amplified by socio-demographic factors,... (More)
This thesis analyses spatial inequalities in access to social infrastructure across
Skåne County, Sweden, with a focus on the differences between rural and urban
areas, as well as socio-demographic characteristics. Using geospatial analysis with
Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), the study analyses how socio-demographic factors correlate with accessibility in these regions. To measure accessibility, the research employs typology-specific thresholds that account for variations in population density. The results reveal disparities, with urban areas generally having broader access to services, while rural and peripheral regions face limitations in service availability. These disparities are amplified by socio-demographic factors, with disadvantaged communities experiencing even greater difficulties in accessing services. The findings show that more strategic regional planning initiatives are needed to address these inequalities and create a more equitable system of access to social infrastructure. Finally, this research provides an understanding of the complexities of spatial equity and contributes to both policy making and the academic debate on welfare. (Less)
Popular Abstract
This thesis explores how public services like schools, health clinics, parks, libraries, and child care are distributed across Skåne, Sweden, and how easily people can reach them depending on where they live and their social background. These services support not only daily routines but also health, community life, and equal opportunities. The study measures the proximity of people to various types of services and the number of services they can access within a reasonable distance, encompassing both densely populated and more rural areas. It uses detailed population data and a method that shows how the links between access and social background vary across locations. This helps identify who is most affected by limited access and where. The... (More)
This thesis explores how public services like schools, health clinics, parks, libraries, and child care are distributed across Skåne, Sweden, and how easily people can reach them depending on where they live and their social background. These services support not only daily routines but also health, community life, and equal opportunities. The study measures the proximity of people to various types of services and the number of services they can access within a reasonable distance, encompassing both densely populated and more rural areas. It uses detailed population data and a method that shows how the links between access and social background vary across locations. This helps identify who is most affected by limited access and where. The results show that urban residents generally have better access to a broader mix of services, while rural and less central areas face longer distances and fewer choices. However, access is also shaped by income, age, education, housing, and foreign background. Even within towns and cities, some neighbourhoods are better connected than others. These differences are not random but reflect planning decisions, past investments, and unequal resource allocation. Some areas benefit from historical advantages, while others have been overlooked. Addressing these gaps means planning with a clear focus on inclusion, making sure that all communities, wherever they are and whoever lives in them, can reach the services that support a good and connected life. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Schreiber, Fabio LU
supervisor
organization
course
SIMZ51 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Social Infrastructure, Spatial Inequality, Accessibility, Urban-Rural Divide, Social Capital
language
English
id
9205315
date added to LUP
2025-06-25 08:41:13
date last changed
2025-06-25 08:41:13
@misc{9205315,
  abstract     = {{This thesis analyses spatial inequalities in access to social infrastructure across
Skåne County, Sweden, with a focus on the differences between rural and urban
areas, as well as socio-demographic characteristics. Using geospatial analysis with
Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), the study analyses how socio-demographic factors correlate with accessibility in these regions. To measure accessibility, the research employs typology-specific thresholds that account for variations in population density. The results reveal disparities, with urban areas generally having broader access to services, while rural and peripheral regions face limitations in service availability. These disparities are amplified by socio-demographic factors, with disadvantaged communities experiencing even greater difficulties in accessing services. The findings show that more strategic regional planning initiatives are needed to address these inequalities and create a more equitable system of access to social infrastructure. Finally, this research provides an understanding of the complexities of spatial equity and contributes to both policy making and the academic debate on welfare.}},
  author       = {{Schreiber, Fabio}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Social Infrastructure and Structural (Dis)advantage: A GIS-Based Equity Assessment}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}