The Housing Model xiaoqu: the Expression of an Increasing Polarization of the Urban Population in Chinese Cities?

Abstract

With the beginning of a rapid modernization after the Reform and Opening in 1978, the formation of a Chinese housing market and its diversification generated different types of housing in the urban areas. The housing model xiaoqu which has its origins in the neighborhood unit as well as the Soviet-style microdistrict is the central issue of this study. As housing development has been very diverse among different metropolitan areas, a valid definition of the housing model is formulated primarily which not only concentrates on design and planning but takes social characteristics into account as well. In a second step, three socially differentiated groups of xiaoqu are established in accordance with two former studies on the topic. The analysis of these three groups then sets a major focus on social issues, such as the formation of interest groups and the cultivation of a 'shared lifestyle' or 'culture'. The study finds that there are very clear differences between the different xiaoqu. It is necessary to include social characteristics to enable a definite differentiation between the three groups. High-level neighborhoods and mid-level neighborhoods can be distinguished through differences in facilities and services they provide as well as the residents' tendency to organize themselves and defend their interests. While the facilities and services in lower-income neighborhoods and mid-level neighborhoods do not differ markedly, their difference lies in the professional occupation of residents, a possible inclusion of social welfare housing and the performance of property management.