تجزیه‌وتحلیل اثرات اجتماعی و فرهنگی گردشگری پایدار پیرامون بهبود عدالت فضایی روستایی منطقه موردمطالعه شهرستان بینالود (طرقبه و شاندیز)

This study aims to examine the socio-cultural effects of sustainable tourism on spatial justice in Binalud County (Toralbaf and Shandiz Districts). The primary objective is to identify and propose effective strategies for achieving spatial justice within the process of sustainable tourism development. This research is applied in nature and utilizes a descriptive-analytical methodology. The statistical population includes 54 villages in Binalud County, from which 19 villages were selected through simple random sampling. Based on calculations using G*Power software, the sample size was determined to be 160 individuals. However, to enhance accuracy and generalizability, the sample size was increased to 200.

Data were collected through both documentary (secondary data) and survey (primary data) methods. The main data collection tool was a researcher-developed questionnaire, administered both in the field and online. A pilot test was conducted using 40 questionnaires in an area similar to the statistical population. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability in SPSS3 software, both of which yielded values above 0.7, indicating strong validity and reliability of the measurement instrument.

Inferential analysis was performed using regression coefficients and structural equation modeling (SEM). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess data normality, and discriminant validity was confirmed using the Fornell-Larcker criterion. Data analysis was carried out using SPLS3, SPSS, and Excel software, while ArcGIS was employed for spatial map design.

According to the path analysis results from SEM modeling, social and cultural dimensions have significant effects on spatial justice, with path coefficients of 0.447 and 0.426, respectively. The t-statistics exceed 7 (well above the critical threshold of 1.96), and the p-value is 0.000, indicating a very high level of significance (99%). This suggests that strengthening social capital and cultural values can contribute to improving spatial justice.

Spatial justice also exerts a strong and significant impact on various aspects of justice: the highest path coefficient is observed in the relationship between spatial justice and distributive justice (β = 0.840), underscoring the critical role of equitable resource distribution in achieving spatial justice. Spatial justice also has strong effects on epistemic justice (β = 0.819), procedural justice (β = 0.818), and intergenerational justice (β = 0.811). The t-statistics for all these paths exceed 28, reflecting the model's strong explanatory power regarding causal relationships.

These findings demonstrate that enhancing socio-cultural dimensions in sustainable tourism development can facilitate the improvement of spatial justice in the rural areas of Binalud County. Finally, based on the research results, practical recommendations have been proposed

The high path coefficients (above 0.8) and strong significance levels (p < 0.001) confirmed the robustness and validity of the theoretical model and the strength of the relationships among the variables. Additionally, the high factor loadings (mostly above 0.7) demonstrated good convergent validity of the constructs and theoretical consistency of the conceptual framework.

Accordingly, it can be concluded that achieving spatial justice is not only essential for sustainable tourism development, but also a prerequisite for establishing multidimensional and lasting social justice in local communities.

Comparatively, the findings align with previous studies such as those by Sheikhi and Shojaei (2012), Nowrouzi, Salehi, and Khastoo (2021), Aliakbari et al. (2019), and Rezaei and Soleimani (2022), all of which emphasize the critical role of spatial justice in the equitable distribution of tourism services and urban resources.

At the international level, the results are consistent with studies by Nicoletti et al. (2022) and Fainstein (2005), which underscore the role of spatial justice in addressing structural inequalities in access to resources and public infrastructure.

Based on these findings, the following strategic recommendations are proposed for policymakers, urban planners, and tourism stakeholders:

1. Institutionalizing Spatial Justice in Tourism Planning:

Integrate spatial justice as a core principle in tourism policies to ensure balanced development and fair distribution of resources across geographic regions.

2. Strengthening Local Participation in Decision-Making:

Engage local communities actively in tourism planning and management processes—particularly in social and cultural aspects—to enhance procedural and epistemic justice and increase legitimacy of decisions.

3. Developing Tourism Infrastructure with a Distributive Approach:

Design and distribute tourism infrastructure in a way that ensures all social groups and geographic areas—especially disadvantaged regions—can benefit equitably.

4. Preserving and Revitalizing Cultural Heritage Sustainably:

Incorporate local culture and intangible heritage into tourism programs to strengthen cultural dimensions, foster social cohesion, and enhance spatial attachment among residents.

5. Developing Localized Indicators of Spatial Justice:

Create and implement context-specific indicators for measuring spatial justice in tourism areas to help policymakers continuously assess and improve performance.

6. Ensuring Intergenerational Justice in Tourism Development:

Plan tourism development in a way that conserves natural, cultural, and social resources sustainably so that future generations may also benefit