From Dispersed Settlements to Inter-embedded Integration: Modern Roads and the Transformation of Ethnic Spatial Patterns in Border Area

DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1674-9391.2024.10.001

Abstract： Modern road construction appears to significantly influence the process of Chinese-style modernization and the spatial configuration" of ethnic integration in border areas. This" paper takes the G219 National Highway in Guangxi as a case" study" to explore how modern road construction reshapes" population mobility and promotes" ethnic" spatial interweaving" in border areas." Adopting an interdisciplinary analytical perspective， the study combines the “inter-embedding” theory with quantitative methods of population geography. Based on the data from four population censuses from 2000 to 2020， it systematically examines the changes in the spatial distribution of ethnic groups in 109 counties （cities） in Guangxi using measurement tools such as the separation index and the inter-embedded index. Key findings include： First， the improvement of transportation infrastructure has" markedly altered ethnic" spatial interweaving patterns. The construction and extension of the G219 National Highway "has facilitated a transition from “isolated ethnic clusters” to a more ‘interwoven residential pattern”.Second，" a spatial heterogeneity" seems to have appeared： The degree of ethnic integration varies geographically. While most areas and counties （cities） experience an increase in" ethnic inter-embedding， certain locales， such as Jingxi City， have shown a continuous decline. Third，" county-level economic development" has demonstrated to be key in determining the extent of ethnic integration. A comparative analysis reveals that when" transportation conditions" are similar， counties （cities） with" stronger" economies often have higher" levels of ethnic inter-embedding.

The study reveals the "dynamic role of transportation infrastructure construction" in shaping ethnic" spatial integration from a dynamic evolution perspective： Modern roads and highways， as “channels” for population flow， have reconfigured the production factors in geographic space， affecting" residential and living spaces of various ethnic groups. Historically， transportation barriers led to ethnic isolation （“single-ethnic agglomeration”）， but modern highways act as “conduits”" for population mobility， for the flow of" labor， commodities， and information，" forming an inter-embedded spatial structure， a shared socio-economic space. This has not only led to physical integration but also to" frequent inter-ethnic interaction and cultural exchanges， laying a socio-cultural foundation for the reconstruction of ethnic identities." However，" the effectiveness of transportation in promoting ethnic integration is largely contingent on regional economic conditions. In regions with more developed economies and diversified industries， the degree of ethnic interweaving is often higher. Therefore， leveraging market mechanisms and tailoring economic strategies to local contexts are important measures to promote ethnic inter-embedding.

In summary， based on the empirical case of Guangxi， this article" provides a comprehensive analysis of how modern road construction can catalyze ethnic integration across “spatial， economic， social， cultural， and psychological” dimensions， while regional economic strength largely determines the breadth and depth of" this ethnic" inter-embedding. As a theoretical exploration， this study" seeks to expand" the spatial dimension of ethnic inter-embedding research and" enrich" the academic understanding of the mechanism of ethnic interaction."" It also advocates for more coordinated" transportation and economic policies to promote the socio-economic development and ethnic integration in" border areas， offering" practical insights" for forging a" strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.

Key Words： inter-embedded living; modernization roads; spatial embedding; Guangxi section of the G219 national highway