Spatial differentiation characteristics and influencing factors of childcare institutions in China
Based on the data from childcare institutions released by the National Health Commission in June 2024,this study examines the spatial differentiation of childcare institutions across China using four provincial-level cities and 332 prefecture-level regions.The research employs ArcGIS spatial analysis methods and Geographically Weighted Regression(GWR)to uncover the influencing factors behind this spatial variation.Key findings include:(1)Childcare institutions in China predominantly exhibit a clustered distribution,characterized by a greater concentration in the east and sparser distribution in the west.This pattern manifests as"large clusters and small dispersions,"with significant clusters forming in the Yangtze River Delta,Pearl River Delta,and Bohai Rim,and numerous monocentric clusters centered around provincial capitals and major cities.(2)The number of childcare institutions is positively correlated with the tier of the city.Cities with fewer childcare facilities are numerous and spread out,primarily located in the western and northeastern regions.In contrast,cities with a larger number of institutions are mainly situated in the eastern coastal areas and major central-western cities such as Chengdu,Chongqing,Hefei,and Zhengzhou.(3)The population of children aged 0-4 years plays a decisive role in the spatial distribution of childcare institutions.Per capita disposable income of urban residents,the labor participation rate,and average household size serve as auxiliary factors influencing this spatial variation.While the average household size generally has a negative influence,other factors positively affect the distribution.As city tiers decrease,the impact of these auxiliary factors lessens,with minimal influence on fifth-tier cities.In conclusion,the study offers targeted recommendations for the development of China's childcare services industry.
万方数据
维普
