The Role of Politics in Regional Inequality: The Israeli Case

Abstract

Most studies of spatial disparities deal with conventional measurable socioeconomic variables. Political aspects have been neglected in explaining regional inequalities. The purpose of the present Israeli case study is to demonstrate empirically that a prerequisite for effective studies of regional inequality is a clear understanding of the political structure. Israel, with its highly centralized unitary political system, tried to execute a national policy of balanced regional development but failed to realize that spatial integration is a process of diffusing political powers as well as allocating socioeconomic resources. It is argued that if tensions caused by spatial disparities are to be reduced, a new political organization must develop out of a synthesis between the old nonspatial, functional organization of politics and the new desire of a poststatehood generation for more participation on a territorial basis.

The Formation of a Composite Urban Image

“…Israel with densely built public housing neighborhoods, low socioeconomic levels of population, and high economic dependency on the central government (Gradus 1983). Only those who visit the city can realize that, to a large extent, this stereotype does not suit Beer-Sheva any longer.…”

The Emergence of Regionalism in a Centralized System: The Case of Israel

“…The centralized system weakened its ties with the 'grass roots' and ultimately lost its direct contact with the periphery. The territorial dispersion of the peripheral population to poor neighborhoods in isolated poverty-stricken towns helped create a sense of solidarity against the central European-controlled core residing in the center and surrounding rural settlements (Gradus, 1983). …”

Redistribuição de renda, pobreza e desigualdade territorial no Brasil

“…Por isso, a existência de fluxos de transferência de recursos das regiões ricas para as regiões mais pobres é crucial para a garantia de um território menos heterogêneo e desigual. Estes fluxos, por sua vez, só podem ser criados por meio da implementação de mecanismos específicos, de políticas propostas pela elite política com o objetivo de proceder à redistribuição de recursos (Gradus 1983).…”