Introducing friction of space into the geography of cultural consumption

Author

Biferale, Lorenzo and Crociata, Alessandro and Rossi Mori, Lavinia and Chiappetta, Claudio and Bruno, Matteo

Abstract

This paper contributes to research on the geography of cultural sectors by exploring cultural consumption habits from a spatial perspective. The study introduces a novel method to the study of cultural consumption spatial patterns by using human mobility data (GPS) to overcome the lack of traditional data on cultural consumption. The results reveal the emergence of spatial inequalities both in the distribution of cultural amenities and in individual consumption behaviours. It shows that proximity to cultural amenities describes individual consumption patterns through a negative power law function, and that this relation is stronger for individuals averse to cultural consumption.