On the link between material deprivation and city size: Ecuador as a case study. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Obaco, Moisés; Royuela, Vicente; Matano, Alessia
• Is Part Of: Land use policy. Volume 111(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: R10 -- R20 -- I31; Deprivation -- Developing economies -- Ecuador -- Slums; Land use -- Periodicals; Land use -- Government policy -- Periodicals; Sol, Utilisation du -- Périodiques; Sol, Utilisation du -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.7305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2020.104761
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-8377

Abstract

Highlights: We analyze the link between city size and material living conditions in developing economies. The creation of slums and large areas with underdeveloped housing characteristics has been a major concern for urban planners. Case study of Ecuador, a small developing country experiencing a rapid urbanization process. Living in denser areas is associated with lower levels of deprivation. Abstract: The association between city size and productivity has been widely investigated in the academic literature. On the contrary, less is known about the link between city size and material living conditions. Recently, a strong emphasis has been put on the process of urbanization without growth and on the burst of large cities. The creation of slums and large areas with underdeveloped housing characteristics has become a major concern for urban planners. This is especially the case for developing economies. This work analyses the association between city size and material living conditions in Ecuador, a small developing country experiencing rapid urbanization and where slums constitute a relevant part of the urban landscape. Our findings show that living in denser areas is associated with lower levels of deprivation and overcrowding. Nonetheless, we also show evidence of congestion in larger cities.