Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Human Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2
Department of Human Geography and Management, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3
Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
10.22034/gahr.2025.527053.2496
Abstract
Spatial justice refers to the equitable and fair distribution of resources, services, and opportunities across geographical spaces, aiming to ensure equal access to essential urban facilities for all individuals. This concept is particularly significant in urban planning and public services distribution, as spatial inequalities can exacerbate social and economic disparities among different societal groups. This study analyzes the spatial distribution of educational centers in Zanjan city from a spatial justice perspective. The equitable distribution of educational centers, a key pillar of social and economic development, significantly enhances quality of life and reduces social inequalities. Using the Moran’s Index spatial autocorrelation model, this research examines the distribution of educational centers based on academic levels, gender, and ownership type (public and private) across Zanjan’s four urban regions. The objective is to identify patterns of inequitable distribution and analyze their spatial dispersion. Results show Moran’s Index coefficients for girls’ centers (0.082), boys’ centers (-0.007), and mixed-shift centers (-0.128), indicating clustered patterns for girls’ and boys’ centers and random distribution for mixed-shift centers. Additionally, Moran’s Index for public (0.127) and private (-0.043) centers reveals dispersed public centers across the city and concentrated private centers in specific areas, particularly regions 2 and 3. The overall Moran’s Index for all educational centers (0.003) confirms a clustered distribution pattern. These findings highlight the clustered distribution of educational centers in specific parts of Zanjan, providing insights for urban planning to achieve spatial justice.
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