Abstract
This paper addresses the increasing socio-spatial inequalities in European cities and
their impact on the possibilities for fostering social cohesion. Many policy programmes
tackle spatial unevenness in order to build more cohesive communities.
These policies have some impact, but their effect on reducing inequalities at city
level is limited. Therefore, an important question is how the overall socio-spatial
organisation of European cities affects social cohesion and the capacity to form an
urban community able to decide on a common future. First, the complex relation
between present-day societal and spatial dynamics is discussed, asserting that it produces
segregation. The second part reflects on how segregation is regarded in terms
of social cohesion. Many authors stress the social innovative capacities within segregated
areas. However, European cities display different socio-spatial structures. How
these structures influence negotiation processes between different social groups is
poorly treated. The last part of the paper addresses this issue.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1909-1924 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Urban Studies |
Volume | 49 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2012 |
Keywords
- social cohesion
- european cities
- inequalities