Network and Geography: Dependence and Disparity Between Human Settlement Pattern and Socioeconomic Network in Chengui, China

Abstract

The spatial distribution of settlements in a heterogeneous landscape matrix influences the capacity of people to form and maintain relationships. Although such a perspective has gained several conceptual and theoretical developments, empirical research on this special issue is necessary. Therefore this work provides a case study to explore the relationship between human settlement pattern and socioeconomic network (SN) among settlements in Chengui, China. Settlement pattern is characterized through spatial network analyses in 6 different scenarios. Socioeconomic interaction data are derived from household interviews conducted in autumn 214. To illustrate the relationship, this paper compares the structures of socioeconomic network with corresponding spatial networks at three different levels (global, component, and local) using a range of network analytic tools (e.g., visual displays of networks, quadratic assignment procedure, Procrustes analysis, component analysis, and centralities). Results demonstrate that although human settlement pattern and SN are related, they differ substantially. Specifically, socioeconomic flows can overcome the restrictions of settlement pattern or even administrative units. Meanwhile, these flows may not occur even in a compact settlement pattern.