Volume 1: Community and Society

Cities around the world are divided and unequal, with the pandemic highlighting pre-existing inequalities. Contributions to this volume engage with different urban communities to give voice to those who experience poverty, discrimination, and marginalization. It offers insights for reforming cities to be more resilient to future crises.

Format: Hardback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2021
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Our experiences of the city are profoundly shaped by a multitude of factors, including our gender, race, class, age, ability, and sexual orientation. Prior to the pandemic, it was already evident that cities across the globe were experiencing division and growing inequality. However, the pandemic has brought these pre-existing disparities to the forefront, exposing their stark reality.

Contributions to this volume seek to engage directly with diverse urban communities worldwide. They aim to give voice to those who face poverty, discrimination, and marginalization, placing them at the center of planning, policy, and political discussions that shape cities. By offering valuable insights into reforming cities to enhance their resilience to future crises, this book serves as an invaluable resource for scholars and policy makers alike.

Gender plays a significant role in shaping our urban experiences. Women often face unique challenges in accessing resources, employment opportunities, and safe spaces, leading to disparities in health, education, and economic outcomes. Moreover, gender-based violence and harassment are prevalent in cities, further exacerbating the marginalization of women.

Race also contributes to urban inequality, with marginalized communities facing systemic discrimination in housing, employment, education, and criminal justice. Racial profiling, segregation, and unequal access to resources perpetuate cycles of poverty and disadvantage.

Class is another crucial factor shaping urban experiences. Wealthier individuals and families often have better access to quality housing, healthcare, education, and recreational facilities, while poorer individuals and families struggle to meet their basic needs. Class disparities also contribute to social tensions and political polarization.

Age also plays a significant role in shaping urban experiences. Older adults may face challenges in accessing healthcare, transportation, and social services, while younger adults may struggle with unemployment, housing insecurity, and social exclusion. Age-related disparities can lead to social isolation and loneliness.

Ability and disability also impact our urban experiences. Individuals with disabilities may face barriers in accessing public spaces, employment opportunities, and healthcare services. Moreover, the design of cities can often exclude individuals with disabilities, perpetuating their marginalization.

Sexual orientation also contributes to urban inequality, with LGBTQ+ individuals facing discrimination, violence, and marginalization in many cities. Discrimination in housing, employment, and healthcare can lead to poor health outcomes, social isolation, and economic insecurity.

In conclusion, our experiences of the city are deeply intertwined with a range of factors, including gender, race, class, age, ability, and sexual orientation. The pandemic has exposed the stark realities of these inequalities, highlighting the need for urgent action to address them. By engaging with diverse urban communities and giving voice to those who experience poverty, discrimination, and marginalization, we can work towards creating more inclusive and equitable cities. This requires reforming policies, practices, and attitudes to promote diversity, equity, and social justice. Only then can we build cities that are resilient, sustainable, and prosperous for all.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 236 x 153 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529218879