Beyond the Suburban-Urban Divide: Convergence in Age Structures in Metropolitan Rome, Italy

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis of local demographic structures by age allows a better understanding of complex processes of population re-distribution across large metropolitan regions. Based on these premises, local population age structures were studied at the spatial scale of urban districts in Rome's metropolitan area (Italy) between 1971 and 2018. Results of this study indicate (i) a rapid suburbanization (1971-1991) consolidating distinct demographic structures in urban and rural areas, (ii) a less rapid disurbanization (1991-2011) with aging of suburban populations and (iii) a subsequent process of slow re-urbanization (2011-2018). Taken together, these phenomena have reduced the structural divide in urban (older) populations and suburban (younger) populations. Residential mobility contributed to a more balanced age structure during suburbanization and an increased urban-rural gap in the subsequent phases (disurbanization and re-urbanization). A refined analysis of long-term population dynamics in metropolitan regions reflects spatial outcomes and latent aspects of demographic transitions, shedding light on the debate over the future development of urban and rural societies in advanced economies.