Multidimensional turn and scale response in the study of urban residential differentiation in the new era

Abstract

Urban residential differentiation is a multidimensional process and complex system. It is increasingly more challenging to describe cities' multi- heterogeneous socio- spatial differentiation patterns by traditional single- dimensional and large- scale analysis. Based on the logics of the multidimensional attributes and scale effect of residential differentiation and referring to the thoughts of Western residential differentiation research, combined with the characteristics of urban residential differentiation in the new period of China, this study constructed a theoretical framework of the dialectical unity of "society- material- information" ternary space of residential differentiation. This study focused on the multidimensional turn and method innovation of residential differentiation research under the intervention of information elements and digital capital, and improved the recognition of urban residential differentiation patterns in the digital era. It pointed out that the study of residential differentiation needs to transform from a single dimension to multidimensional dialectical unity, from differentiation index to structure detection, and from spatial-temporal relationship to interaction mechanism. This study expanded the theoretical depth of residential differentiation research in China by reviewing and reflecting on the progress of Chinese and international research. It provides a reference for promoting high- quality and balanced development of urban social space.