Regional specialization – Regional Science Inquiry

Tüzin BAYCAN

Professor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Istanbul Technical University
Orcid: 0000-0001-6073-1188

tbaycan@itu.edu.tr

Abstract

Deindustrialization is experienced in different forms and more deeply in developing countries where regional inequalities, an important component of deindustrialization, impose more structural and historical conditions than in developed countries. Deindustrialization has a deeper causality and impact especially in countries whose economies are based on agriculture and which begin to deindustrialize with global effect while their industrial development continues. The aim of this study is to investigate the regional nature of deindustrialization within the center-periphery relationship at the global and country level. Assuming that the international center-periphery relationship has similar characteristics on a national scale, in this study the regional character of deindustrialization at the level of sectoral specializations is investigated in Türkiye NUTS 2 regions by performing a long-term Location Quotient (LQ) analysis. The main results of the analysis demonstrate that: (i) while Türkiye is an agricultural society and its industrial development continues, it has entered the deindustrialization process with globalization effect; (ii) the pattern of deindustrialization can be exemplified by the regional cluster centered on Istanbul in the Northwest which shows high industrial specialization; (iii) agricultural production dominates throughout the country; and (iv) there is a tendency for industrial development to stagnate and for a direct transition from agriculture to services.

Keywords: Deindustrialization, Labor Market, Regional Specialization

JEL classification: J01, J08, J21, N90, O11, R12

pp. 33-42

Barbara MARTINI

Researcher of Policy Economics, University of Rome Tor Vergata (Italy)

barbara.martini@uniroma2.it

Marco PLATANIA

Researcher of Applied Economics, University of Catania (IT), Visiting Research Fellowship, University of Winchester (UK)

marco.platania@unict.it

Abstract

The paper aims to investigate the relationship between gender equality and regional resilience. Literature, primarily regional literature, has shown limited interest in gender. Nevertheless, females and males are employed in different industries, so when a shock hits, it can have a different employment impact in terms of gender and, consequently, in terms of resilience. Regions are specialized in some industries. Regional specialization results from historical, cultural, natural endowments, and social elements. Also, the uneven distribution between females and males within industries involves social, cultural, and economic components. As a result, regional specialization determines an employment distribution that can be unequal regarding gender. This employment distribution is captured by the Dissimilarity Index, which measures the sum of the absolute difference in females’ and males’ distribution over occupations. Therefore, the dissimilarity index emerges as a consequence of regional specialization. This dissimilarity, in turn, could have an impact on resilience. Our results put several significant results forwards. First, there is a relationship between gender segregation and regional specialization. The higher the regional specialization in sectors where the females’ share is low, the higher the dissimilarity. Second, there was a positive relationship between resilience and gender equality from 2008 to 2013. The more gender equality regions are also the more resilient ones. Taking a sectoral occupation is not easy, including social values, cultural components, welfare, education, and soft skill. Policies should also address their efforts to enhance the welfare and social dimensions and break gender stereotypes.

Keywords: Gender, Regional specialization, Dissimilarity, Resilience, Italy

JEL classification: R10, R11, R19, O18

pp. 71-94

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Aysu UZSAYILIR

Dr., Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Istanbul Technical UniversityOrcid: 0000-0003-3920-4062

aysukara@itu.edu.tr