Multi-perspective perception of urban relative poverty and its associated factors analysis: A case study of Wuhan City

Abstract

Understanding the urban relative poverty and its associated factors is crucial for effective urban management and improving the well-being of urban residents. In this paper, we constructed three indexes (poverty rate, poverty intensity and poverty depth) using urban subsistence allowance and population data. Then, we obtained the spatial patterns of the relative poverty indexes of Wuhan. At last, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) is employed to explore the interaction between urban relative poverty and multidimensional factors. Our findings revealed (1) there are different distributions and spatial patterns for poverty rate, intensity, and depth in the central area of Wuhan. (2) Communities with higher poverty rates are located in high-density residential area with poor natural environment and settlement environment but good transportation environment and living convenience. (3) Poverty intensity was not strongly correlated with any of the factors while most communities with high poverty depth were near urban centers and negatively correlated with location and living convenience. These findings can inform planners and policymakers in urban planning and poverty reduction management.