A comparative study of collective relocation projects for poverty alleviation and earthquake reconstruction in rural China in terms of social integration

Abstract

Considering the inherent laws and logical relationships between disasters and poverty, the combination of poverty alleviation relocation (PAR) and earthquake reconstruction relocation (ERR) is valuable both theoretically and practically. This study compared PAR and ERR projects on a systematic basis in terms of implementation area, mode adoption, construction content, public engagement, and challenges. Moreover, four common types of villages (e.g., enclave, adjacent, centralized, and infill) and the two resident groups of the re-settler and local groups were recognized. Regarding the social restructuring after relocation, the performance of the double-directional degree of social isolation (SO) and spatial isolation (SP) between the two resident groups were evaluated and compared in types, which helps planners predict and clarify the social impact of the chosen type. The underlying social and spatial reasons affecting the social integration were explained to propose the corresponding planning measures for social integration promotion.