A study on socio-spatial differentiation in Suzhou

As the product of urban development to a certain stage, Spatial differentiation is the spatial separation of urban residents due to different economic, cultural and social interaction caused. Based on the Sixth Population Census data of Suzhou in 2010, this paper analyzes urban social spatial differentiation by differentiation index and localization index. The results reveal the degree of social differentiation is bigger than those big cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai. It´s the high degree of spatial differentiation among demographic characteristic indicators; The graduate degree is significant in education indicators; research industry and computer software industry among industry sectors get the high degree; Housing differentiation is clear. The mechanism of socio-spatial differentiation includes economic factor, institutional factor, administrative division adjustment factors and urban planning factor and so on. Among them, the development of export-oriented economy and administrative division adjustment are two major factors which results in socio-spatial differentiation in Suzhou in these years.