Residential Segregation and Living Conditions. An Analysis of Social Inequalities in Catalonia from Four Spatial Perspectives

Abstract

Spatial inequalities in living conditions have traditionally been attributed to geographical location, the opposition between urban and rural settings or the size of settlements. Accordingly, the geographical literature has used these oppositions to explain not only differences in access to education, work and services but also diversity of lifestyles, beliefs and even political attitudes. In recent decades, however, urban areas have extended their scope, urbanization has become more dispersed, territories have become more interdependent and spatial hierarchies have tended to weaken. At the same time, social inequalities have become more marked, as manifested spatially by residential segregation. This article puts forward the thesis that residential segregation constitutes a considerably better explanatory factor currently for the elucidation of social inequalities and differences in living conditions in regional spaces than geographical location, the urban/rural divide or the size of settlements. A set of key indicators in the population of residents in Catalonia (level of education, socio-economic position, risk of poverty, self-perceived health and life satisfaction) are therefore analyzed from various spatial perspectives to explore this argument and evaluate each indicator’s explanatory potential. The main results seem to confirm the hypothesis that the most striking spatial inequalities are associated with residential segregation.

Energy Inequality Indicators: A Comprehensive Review for Exploring Ways to Reduce Inequality

“…By adopting a comprehensive approach that takes into account these specific factors, we can ensure that the most vulnerable populations are identified and provided with the necessary support to overcome energy inequality. This approach aligns with the findings of various studies that emphasize the importance of considering multiple dimensions of vulnerability in addressing energy inequality [84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91]. By understanding the unique challenges faced by vulnerable households, policymakers and stakeholders can develop targeted interventions and support mechanisms to improve their access to affordable and reliable energy services.…”

Small-Scale Socio-Economic Conditions and Residential Segregation: Evidence from the Municipalities Across the Metropolitan Region of Attica

“…The literature has tried to shed light on the relationship between residential segregation and living conditions, indicating that these two notions are highly connected and can be used to explain each other (Farkas et al, 2017;Panori, 2017;Vergou, 2019). More specifically, differences in living conditions can better explain the spatial distribution of the population within a city when compared to income and educational variations (Checa, 2021;Bencardino & Nesticò, 2017).…”

Cambios en la renta del suelo urbano por el uso de instrumentos normativos de ordenamiento territorial, localidad de chapinero, Bogotá, Colombia

“…El mercado del suelo urbano homogeniza el derecho a disfrutar de la ciudad y no incorpora elementos de la existencia del ciudadano como individuo con demandas sociales básicas por satisfacer diferentes a la supervivencia y la producción, necesidades insa-tisfechas que redundan en conflictos sociales y desacuerdos con la forma de organizar lo urbano, en sus relaciones sociales y en las formas de consumo del suelo. Consiguientemente, la dinámica de consumo de suelo urbano genera importantes externalidades sociales, económicas y ambientales, tales como segregación, congestión, especulación en el mercado de viviendas y aumento de emisiones de CO 2 , entre otros aspectos que afectan el bienestar de la ciudadanía (Anwar et al, 2020;Checa & Nel•lo, 2021;Dociu & Dunarintu, 2012;Haaland & Konijnendijk van den Bosch, 2015).…”