Modeling the spatial pattern of household quality of living in West Bengal: an approach of hotspot and cluster analysis

Abstract

Space has an essential role in determining the spatial pattern of household quality of living. Cities and towns also have influence on the manifestation of that spatial pattern. The prime objective of this study is to understand the spatial pattern of household quality of living with respect to the location of cities and towns in West Bengal. Household quality of living depends on the quality of housing, access to basic amenities and asset ownership of the household. The spatial pattern of household quality of living index in West Bengal is shown with the application of Anselin Moran I and Getis-Ord G* statistics. The results implicate that most of the high–high clusters and the hotspots are formed in cities and towns and around the peripheral rural areas of them. Three major zones of high–high clusters and hotspots are formed in and around the surrounding areas of Kolkata, Asansol–Raniganj–Durgapur belt and Darjeeling–Kurseong area. So, it can be articulated that urban areas influence the household quality of living in peripheral rural areas. As the zones of high–high clusters are extended differently in a different direction from the city, it can be argued that cities do not have uniform influence in all the directions. As the city can influence the household quality of living in peripheral rural areas, the government should initiate a policy for balanced urbanization. The government should promote urbanization in those areas where the low–low clusters and cold spots are formed.