In 1960, Erik Bylund described the diffusion of rural settlement in his book "Theoretical Thoughts on the Distribution of Settlements in Inner Northern Sweden".
Bylund's theory is known as "A Locational theory for rural settlement".
Bylund's location theory for rural settlement explains changes in settlement distribution over time.
As per Bylund:
There are three stages of rural settlement and its diffusion.
- Colonization Phase
- Spread
- Competition
Colonization Phase:
The location of the rural settlement is mainly occupied/preferred where there are favorable physical and cultural environments exist such as good soil, favorable climate, availability of water and mineral resources.
For example,
- rural settlements are often located along rivers, ponds, hills, etc.
- The old village is usually situated on the banks of the river.
Spread stage:
The following characteristics are found in this stage -
- The population spreads like a wave from a stone falling in the water.
- There is a short-distance dispersal of the population with an increase in population density.
- There is a spread of settlements from the center outwards.
- The areas around the original settlement are the first to be occupied.
- The more remote area is settled later when the area near the original settlement is completely occupied.
Competition Phase:
- In this phase, a sufficient number of rural residents are available to compete for the land. For example, in this phase, people attack to land.
Try to solve the following question:
- Illustrate the rural settlement diffusion model as propounded by E Bylund. ( UPPSC, 2020, 15 Marks)
- Write short notes on Locational theory for rural settlement.
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