What do you understand by the term ‘Urban field’? Explain the Core-Periphery Model as Proposed by Friedman.

Urban Field:-

The term 'Urban Field' refers to the spatial organization and functional interdependence of urban areas within a region. It is a conceptual framework used in urban geography to understand the hierarchical relationship between cities and towns and the flows of goods, services, and people that connect them. The concept of the urban field helps in analyzing the distribution of urban centers, their varying sizes and functions, and their interactions within a given geographical area.

In the urban field, cities and towns are not viewed in isolation but are seen as interconnected nodes with varying levels of influence and significance. The model recognizes that larger urban centers often act as central places that provide essential services and functions to smaller surrounding settlements, creating a hierarchical pattern of urban centers with varying levels of influence.

Core-Periphery Model (Proposed by Brian J. L. Berry and John L. Friedman):-

The core-periphery model, proposed by geographers Brian J. L. Berry and John L. Friedman, is a spatial framework used to describe the functional relationship between the central city (core) and its surrounding suburban areas and rural hinterlands (periphery). It is based on the urban field concept and focuses on the varying economic activities and functions within a metropolitan area.

Key Elements of the Core-Periphery Model:-

1. Core Area:- The central city, often the largest urban center in the metropolitan region, represents the core area. It is characterized by a high concentration of economic activities, services, and infrastructure. The core acts as the primary center for commerce, administration, finance, and culture.

2. Periphery:- The periphery refers to the outer zones surrounding the central city. It includes suburban areas, satellite towns, and rural hinterlands. The periphery may have lower population densities and is often characterized by residential neighborhoods and agricultural activities.

3. Economic Activities:- The model emphasizes the spatial distribution of economic activities in the core and periphery. The core tends to concentrate on higher-order economic functions, such as financial institutions, corporate offices, and specialized services. The periphery, on the other hand, is more likely to have lower-order economic activities, such as retail stores, manufacturing facilities, and residential areas.

4. Functional Interdependence:- The core-periphery model recognizes the functional interdependence between the core and periphery. The core provides essential services, employment opportunities, and higher-order goods, attracting people from the periphery. In turn, the periphery supplies labor, raw materials, and consumer goods to the core.

Critique of the Core-Periphery Model:-

While the core-periphery model provides valuable insights into the spatial organization of urban areas and their functional relationships, it has faced criticism for oversimplifying the complex dynamics of urban systems. Critics argue that the model may not fully capture the diversity and complexities of interactions within metropolitan areas, as the relationship between the core and periphery is more intricate and multidirectional than the model suggests. Additionally, the model may not adequately account for the impacts of globalization, technological advancements, and changes in transportation and communication systems on urban spatial patterns.