Social Sciences

Abstract The present paper aims to have a closer look at the level of development and imbalance in Tehran province using scientific methods. It was an applied research conducted through descriptive-analytical method. The data were collected using the library method. After the statistics, data and existing related documents were collected, a group of variables were selected to describe the current social, economic, cultural, welfare, production, and infrastructural conditions of districts or counties, and to reflect the level of development in the region or province. The criteria in the selection of variables were their reliability and validity in explaining the subject as well as the accessibility of information. Then, index construction was performed by using statistical models to analyze the condition of districts in terms of the level of development and balance. The indices and coefficients were analyzed using methods of inferential statistics, including numerical taxonomy method, correlation coefficient method, and Williamson coefficient of variation. The results of index construction and inferential statistics were formatted in charts by using GIS and a spatial data analysis was performed. The results of the statistical and spatial analyses showed different groups of districts with different levels of development and increasing balance. The findings indicated that not only development in the province is imbalanced, but also the trend of imbalance moves towards more inequity. It is only paying attention to small and average towns that can stop this trend and help improving equity and balance in the development of different regions. Achieving this goal requires a regional planning and acting in that framework.

Abstract