In search of spatial justice. Towards a conceptual and operative framework for the analysis of inter‐ and intra‐urban inequalities using a geo‐demographic approach. The case of Italy

Abstract

Although still needing a definite theoretical status, spatial justice represents an inspiring framework for geographical analysis and for planning. In this paper we try to operationalize the concept through a geo‐demographic approach. By using demographic and social differences as proxy of the concept at the urban level we define five socio‐territorial clusters based on the characteristics of the population residing in the enumeration area of 14 Italian local labour market areas (LLMAs) whose capital is also the capital of a metropolitan city. The first results of the analysis show a high level of heterogeneity and the absence of compact and segregated peripheries. At the same time the analysis highlights the need for further methodological investigations to attain a better representation of social justice in its spatial dimension.