SOCIO-SPATIAL TYPOLOGY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED CITIES IN UZBEKISTAN: A SOCIO-PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS BASED ON EMPIRICAL RESEARCH

This article provides a systematic analysis of the socio-spatial transformation in the social development process of small and medium-sized cities in Uzbekistan, based on empirical research. A five-tier criteria system has been developed for evaluating these cities. As a result of the empirical analysis, the studied areas are classified into three main typological models. The article analyzes the population’s sense of belonging, the coefficient of collective solidarity, the functional transformation of the mahalla institution, and the desires to rationalize wedding ceremonies across gender and age dimensions. The findings of this research serve as a reliable methodological basis for improving the urban social environment and optimizing management decisions.