Socio-spatial Inequalities in a Context of "Great Economic Wealth". Case study of neighbourhoods of Luxembourg City

TL;DR

This study analyzes socio-spatial inequalities within Luxembourg City, revealing a distinct divide influenced more by social benefit recipients and single residents than traditional demographic factors.

Contribution

It provides a detailed, neighborhood-level analysis of socio-economic disparities in Luxembourg City using empirical data and hierarchical classification methods.

Findings

Clear socio-spatial divide along a north-west south-east axis

Income inequalities are more influenced by social benefits and single residents than gender or citizenship

Empirical data highlights granular neighborhood disparities in a wealthy city

Abstract

In spite of being one of the smallest and wealthiest countries in the European Union in terms of GDP per capita, Luxembourg is facing socio-economic challenges due to recent rapid urban transformations. This article contributes by approaching this phenomenon at the most granular and rarely analysed geographical level - the neighbourhoods of the capital, Luxembourg City. Based on collected empirical data covering various socio-demographic dimensions for 2020-2021, an ascending hierarchical classification on principal components is set out to establish neighbourhoods' socio-spatial patterns. In addition, Chi2 tests are carried out to examine residents' socio-demographic characteristics and determine income inequalities in neighbourhoods. The results reveal a clear socio-spatial divide along a north-west south-east axis. Moreover, classical factors such as gender or citizenship differences are revealed to be poorly determinant of income inequalities compared with the proportion of social benefits recipients and single residents.