The enigma of counterurbanization. Empirical phenomenon and chaotic concept

Abstract

Counterurbanization has been considered as a chaotic concept in the academic literature. It entails demographic movement and deconcentration in some urban areas and appears to be a new process of populations spatial distribution and the definition of a new settlement pattern which may exceed the Central Place Theory. The results of this process and demographic movement have led to societal divesification and even to the emergence of new classes in the countryside and new urban-rural relationships. In such circumstances it is not surprising that both problems and opportunities arise when it comes to making territory planning policies. This paper focuses on analizing the international scientific literature on Counterurbanization -particularly that of Anglosaxon countries- with an aim to contribute to the search of meaning in the arguments which support the definition of Counterurbanization and to foster its research both in Spain and Latinamerica.

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