The role of commercial and other service functions in changing the structure of the central place hierarchy

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Berg, N. G. & Sjoholt, P. 1988. The role of commercial and other service functions in changing the structure of the central place hierarchy. Norsk geogr. Tidsskr. Vol. 42, 1–12. Oslo. ISSN 0029-1951. The authors analyze the changes in the central place hierarchy which have taken place over the past 20 years, in an age of increasing sophistication and differentiation of industry, new forms of organization, particularly within retailing, and easier mobility among consumers. According to the findings considerable dynamics characterize modern service hierarchies. Although the general tendency, as verified by empirical evidence from Middle Norway, is one of filtering down into the middle parts of the system of established service functions, there is simultaneously a process of concentration of new functions, particularly of the intermediate, non-consumer type. The actors of distribution industries are thus being increasingly challenged in growth dynamics by those managing new kinds of service, in the categorie...