Statistical Analysis of the Role of Good Governance in Reducing Social Inequalities Using Fuzzy Models (Case Study: Ahvaz Metropolis)

Soleimani Moghadam, Parviz; Makhdoom, Iman

doi:10.30473/psp.2026.78086.2817

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

¹ 1. Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran

² Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran

10.30473/psp.2026.78086.2817

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of good urban governance in reducing social inequalities in the metropolis of Ahvaz using fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making models.
Methodology
The research is applied-theoretical in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical survey in terms of method. Data were collected through library and field methods (pairwise comparison questionnaires completed by 10 experts in urban management and university professors). For weighting the main criteria and indicators, the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) model with Buckley's geometric mean approach was used. Then, to finalize the ranking of indicators based on their effectiveness in reducing social inequalities, the Fuzzy TOPSIS technique was employed.
Results
The findings showed that among the three main criteria (governance, urban services, and social justice), the "governance" criterion with a normalized weight of 0.565 has the highest importance. In the Fuzzy AHP weighting stage, the "transparency and access to information" indicator obtained the highest final weight (0.210), but in the final Fuzzy TOPSIS ranking, the "rule of law" indicator with a similarity coefficient of 0.517 ranked first, "accountability" with 0.445 ranked second, and "transparency" with 0.432 ranked third. The results indicate that improving the fundamental principles of governance (rule of law, accountability, and transparency) has a greater impact on reducing social inequalities in Ahvaz than merely developing physical urban services.
Discussion and Conclusion
Accordingly, it is suggested that the Ahvaz Municipality revise urban laws with an emphasis on transparency and accountability, expand citizenship education, and employ the combined Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS model as a continuous tool in inequality reduction planning.

Keywords

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Statistical Analysis of the Role of Good Governance in Reducing Social Inequalities Using Fuzzy Models (Case Study: Ahvaz Metropolis)

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Volume 13, Issue 1 - Serial Number 41June 2026Pages 81-96

Volume 13, Issue 1 - Serial Number 41
June 2026
Pages 81-96