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

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 (1 km for urban, 3
km for built-up, and 5 km for rural areas) that account for variations in population
density. The analysis is based on registry-based data covering 13 service types
(50,000+ destinations), 789 DeSO (Demographic Statistical Area) units containing
aggregated socio-demographic data, and high-resolution population grids. 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; for
example, in some parts of Skåne, a 10 percentage point increase in foreign
background share is associated with a drop of 0.18 to 1.00 accessible destination
types. 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.

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 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
areas 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.

• author: Schreiber, Fabio
• supervisor: Johan Sandberg
• organization: Graduate School
• course: SIMZ51 20251
• year: 2025
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Social Sciences
• keywords: Social Infrastructure, Spatial Inequality, Accessibility, Urban-Rural Divide, Socio-demographic Disadvantage
• language: English
• id: 9209189
• date added to LUP: 2025-07-29 14:32:44
• date last changed: 2025-07-29 14:32:44