순위-규모 분포와 중국의 도시화 패턴, 1843-1953

Abstract

This paper examines the patterns of China"s urbanization in historical perspective with special attention to the rank-size distribution of urban population. Following G. William Skinner"s pioneering work of the late Ch"ing era, China"s urban growth for the years 1843-1953 is studied. The analysis of rank-size distributions points to three distinct periods regarding China"s urban development. First, 1843-1905 was a period of continuity. No major change is found in the pattern of urbanization ─ the persistence of regional urban systems separated by high transportation costs. Second period, 1905-1938, observed critical changes in China"s urban development. The growth of the largest city and formation of new urban places are some of the prominent features which led to a rise of the national system. New technology of transportation, railroads in particular, was the engine of the integration among cities. Integration toward the national system went further during 1938-53, prompted again by extension of railroads and industrialization under the early Communist rule.