Abstract
The post war years have seen a steady flow of inmigration into the rural hinterlands of conurbations, emanating both from the surrounding rural areas and from the urban complexes themselves. By 1981 over one-fifth of Britain's population was resident in a rural district, the majority falling within zones close to urban centres. This study of southern Staffordshire, part of the rural hinterland of the West Midlands Conurbation, and southern Hampshire, adjacent to the SouthamptonPortsmouth axis, the South Hampshire Conurbation, assesses this process. Using the technique of cluster analysis, three broad groupings of settlement are identified: the small agricultural settlement, the urbanized commuter village and settlements in the process of consolidation between the two. An analysis is undertaken of the 'hinterland population', the diverse populations now resident within the rural hinterlands. Nine broad groupings emerge from this population, identifiable with reference to socio-economic characteristics and ways of life. These groups are represented in various proportions within each settlement type, in relation to the dominant housing class found there. As a result a variety of community forms are seen to be developing, with a polarization of settlements along class lines.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.