Stratification, Spatial Agglomeration, and Unequal Public Services: Case Study in Xi’an, China

Abstract

At the backdrop of growing social stratification and urban spatial polarization, social problems arising from injustice in public service facilities among social classes have become increasingly prominent. This study explores the spatial inequity in public service facilities in Xi’an, China, and the impact of public service facilities resources on spatial agglomeration of different social classes. The results show that the spatial distribution of public service facilities in the city is unbalanced. Quality education resources create a positive impact on the spatial agglomeration of upper classes, including social managers and professionals, as well as civil servants. For transportation facility resources, the class of employees of social production and service for life is under such positive impact. A negative correlation is seen between transportation and leisure facility resources, and the class of industrial workers and agricultural laborers.