Exploring Spatial Patterns and Heterogeneity in Rural Household Quality of Living: Insights from Eastern India

Rural household quality of living is a fundamental aspect that determines the overall standard of living and well-being experienced by families residing in rural areas. This study comprehensively examines spatial variations in rural household living conditions among 341 administrative blocks located within West Bengal. This study employs the Rural Household Quality of Living Index (RHQoLI) as an analytical tool to assess rural households’ housing, economic and social aspects. The RHQoLI computation using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) involves three indices - Housing Quality Index (HQoLI), Economic Quality Index (EQoLI), and Social Quality Index (SQoLI) - based on twelve indicators. The further analysis employed bivariate and univariate Local Indicators of Spatial Association(LISA) and Moran’s I techniques to examine spatial patterns and heterogeneity. The findings reveal significant regional disparities in the quality of living across various blocks located within West Bengal, with about 115 blocks reflecting low RHQoLI status exhibiting significant clustering patterns at 0.415. Regarding bivariate analysis, SQoLI exhibits a maximum clustering pattern at 0.393, followed by EQoLI and SQoLI. This comprehensive analysis offers insights into variations related to living conditions alongside emerging spatial clustering patterns prevalent within rural West Bengal, facilitating a better understanding of the socioeconomic landscape policymakers can leverage towards creating inclusive development in these areas.