Slum Settlements
zahra shahihagh; Minoo Gharehbaglou; Hamed Beyti
Abstract
Highlights- Any factor that makes residential spaces liveable, also increases the capabilities of its residents.- The most important and influential dimension in the direction of empowering the residents is the components of the perceptual-meaning dimension of livability (sense of belonging, security, ...
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Highlights- Any factor that makes residential spaces liveable, also increases the capabilities of its residents.- The most important and influential dimension in the direction of empowering the residents is the components of the perceptual-meaning dimension of livability (sense of belonging, security, religious beliefs and way of life).- In terms of economic empowerment, the material criteria of livability have the greatest impact; Also, the functional-activity criteria of livability, two dimensions of economic and social empowerment, and the perceptual-meaning criteria of livability mostly affect the psychological capability of the residents.- The northern area among other marginal areas of Tabriz city, due to the lowest level of livability, has the lowest level of realization of empowerment components, which should be given special attention.
Introduction
Informal settlements, as a prominent manifestation of urban poverty, are typically formed within or adjacent to cities. These settlements often lack building permits and official urban development plans. The primary reason for their formation is the inability of people to secure housing in the formal market, compelling them to seek shelter through informal means. This leads to numerous problems. Consequently, various approaches have been proposed globally, particularly in third-world countries, to address the issue of informal settlements.
In contemporary discourse, empowerment is considered the most effective strategy. It aims to enhance the capabilities and improve the living standards of residents while upholding the principles of human dignity and social justice. However, neglecting the environmental qualities and the needs of the residents can cause this strategy to fail. Life unfolds within the context of the environment, and livability addresses the connection between housing and human life, along with its needs, by focusing on the quality of the environment in residential spaces.
Theoretical Framework
This research encompasses two key concepts and variables: viability and empowerment. Researchers have identified various dimensions of the concept of empowerment. Some scholars emphasize the psychological aspects of empowerment, considering elements such as the feeling of competence, the sense of being effective, and the perception of freedom of action as core components of empowerment. In contrast, the social dimension of empowerment has been prominently featured in the theories of many empowerment thinkers, including Sara Longwe (1991), Stromquist (1999), Naila Kabeer (2012), and Hoyt Oliver (2020). These theorists highlight awareness, interaction, and social participation as crucial elements of empowerment. Their theories stress the importance of awareness and the power of connections, interactions, and social partnerships in empowering individuals.
Additionally, the presence of elements such as welfare and access (Longwe), income (Sen, 1999), resources and possessions (Kabeer), and economic ability (Stromquist, 1999) among the components related to empowerment underscores the significance of the economic dimension of empowerment. Therefore, the concept of empowerment encompasses three primary dimensions: economic, social, and psychological.
However, the most critical aspect of empowerment is gaining the power to control and master the forces that affect human life. By acquiring certain abilities, individuals can influence the determining factors of their lives. Life is one of the most fundamental aspects of human existence, and attention to it and the quality factors of residential space can enhance the quality of the environment and the satisfaction of residents.
Based on previous studies and in line with the research's purpose and its relationship with the dimensions of empowerment, the components of livability are categorized into three dimensions: material (economic, physical, environmental), functional-activity, and perceptual-meaning (cultural and psychological). The relationship between each of the three dimensions of empowerment and the dimensions of viability was examined.
Methodology
The research method is practical based on its objective. In terms of data collection and analysis, it employs a correlational approach and is founded on the structural equation model. The primary tool for data collection is a questionnaire. The statistical population of the study comprises residents from the following neighborhoods: Seilab in the northern zone, Abuzar in the northwestern zone, Zamzam in the southern zone, and Akhmakiyeh in the southwestern zone.
To determine the sample size, a simple random sampling method was utilized. Initially, a pre-test was conducted as a pilot among 35 residents of the aforementioned neighborhoods, and the Cronbach's alpha value was calculated to be 0.744. For estimating the sample size, the formula proposed by Tabachnick and Fidell (M8 + 50 ≥ N) was applied, resulting in an estimated sample size of 150 individuals.
Results and Discussion
The research findings are divided into four parts:
Structural Model Analysis:
The structural model reveals a positive and significant relationship between the variables of empowerment and viability.
Effective Dimensions in Livability:
The most influential dimension in livability is the perceptual-semantic dimension. Within this dimension, the components of sense of belonging to the place and security are the most effective criteria for the livability of residential spaces. Following these are the components of the functional-activity and material dimensions.
The most impactful dimension for empowering residents is the psychological (cognitive) dimension, where the components of meaningfulness and trust are the most significant criteria for empowerment.
Interrelation of Viability and Empowerment Dimensions:
Each dimension and criterion of viability affects not just one, but all dimensions of empowerment. However, by comparing their factors, it becomes evident that each dimension and criterion of livability in residential spaces has a more pronounced effect on one or two dimensions of empowerment.
Comparative Analysis of Informal Zones in Tabriz City:
The degree of fulfillment of the functional-activity dimension components of livability is consistent across all four informal zones of Tabriz city, with a range of 3.33-3.66. This indicates that in all areas, the access to public transportation, employment services, educational, health, sports, and leisure facilities, as well as the level of participation and sociability of the residents, are similar and face the same challenges.
The differences in the vitality of the zones are attributed to variations in the components of the material and perceptual-semantic dimensions.
The northern zone exhibits the lowest level of empowerment, while the southern zone shows the highest level compared to other zones.
By refining the analysis and focusing on the specific dimensions and criteria, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of how various factors contribute to the livability and empowerment of residents in informal zones. This nuanced approach highlights the importance of addressing both perceptual-semantic and material dimensions to enhance the overall quality of life in these areas.
Conclusion
The research results indicate that any factor enhancing the viability of residential spaces concurrently boosts the empowerment of their residents. The most influential aspect in empowering residents is the perceptual-semantic components of livability. This is because everyone's living environment contains elements that affect their activities, and a person's behavior is influenced not only by their inner needs and motivations but also by their living environment. Ignoring the livability capacities, especially the perceptual-semantic components, in planning and intervention measures will pose serious challenges in improving the quality of life and empowering residents.
Thus, in all marginalized areas, strategies should be adopted to realize and strengthen the sense of belonging, security, and attention to the residents' religious beliefs and way of life for their psychological empowerment, which has the most significant impact on their overall empowerment. Among the marginalized areas of Tabriz city, the northern regions exhibit the lowest level of realization of empowerment components due to the lowest level of viability, necessitating special attention.
Regarding economic empowerment, the material criteria of livability have the greatest impact. Additionally, the functional-activity measures of livability significantly influence two dimensions of empowerment: economic and social empowerment, respectively. The perceptual-semantic criteria predominantly affect the psychological empowerment of the residents.
Urban Design
Nina Ghaslani; Azadeh Aghalatifi; Marjan NematiMehr; Hamid Nadimi
Abstract
Highlights:
- A systematic classification of Persian language studies on place memory and an analysis of their structure and content using a systematic review.
- Research gaps in place memory studies are highlighted to guide future studies.
- Keywords related to the memory of place and frequently ...
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Highlights:
- A systematic classification of Persian language studies on place memory and an analysis of their structure and content using a systematic review.
- Research gaps in place memory studies are highlighted to guide future studies.
- Keywords related to the memory of place and frequently appearing components are identified and discussed.
Introduction:
Architecture and urban planning are deeply intertwined with the environment, which serves as a vessel for individual and collective human experiences that form memory. Memory studies, a rapidly growing research field, span various disciplines, including social sciences, humanities, landscape studies, architecture, and urbanism. In Iran and worldwide, research has explored memory in built environments from diverse perspectives. This article seeks to analyze and interpret the body of work published in Iran, aiming to prevent redundancy in this field while identifying existing research gaps.
Methodology:
This research adheres to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement list for information collection and document screening. The study sample was selected based on internet searches of related keywords (e.g., memory and place memory) across Mogiran, SID, and Ganj-Irandoc scientific databases. No time limits were set for the search, but the focus was on publications between 2006 and 2022. Initially, 206 articles were retrieved from the Mogiran site, 101 articles from SID, and 16 doctoral theses related to architecture and urban planning. Following a thorough screening process that involved reviewing titles, abstracts, and content relevance, a final selection of 38 articles from scientific research publications was made, rated from A to D in the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology's scientific publications portal. Additionally, 4 doctoral theses were selected for in-depth review after similar screening.
To systematically extract and categorize information, a table was designed based on each article's publication year. The data analysis and interpretation were conducted through coding and grouping similar content. This systematic approach enabled the authors to interpret and describe various aspects of the phenomenon under study, ultimately contributing to a comprehensive understanding of place memory in Persian language research.
Results and Discussion:
This research focuses on the publication and evolution of scientific studies on place memory in Iran, examining both the structure and content of these studies. A central theme in the research is the concept of collective or individual memory. The majority of studies emphasize collective memory, a shared memory among the people of a region or city, often detached from individual experiences.
In the context of place memory, the processes of memory formation, recording, transmission, continuity, and recall are distinct yet interconnected. Depending on the research's case study—whether it involves a city, village, single building, or urban space—these processes include various components. Generally, these components can be categorized into three main groups: spatial, social, and emotional.
Sociologists like Maurice Halbwachs and Pierre Nora have noted that the sociability of a space significantly influences collective memory. One result of sociability is face-to-face communication, which relies on the space's ability to accommodate people together—a crucial factor in memory studies. In essence, a space's potential to become memorable is closely tied to its capacity for social interaction and presence.
Interestingly, few articles explore the topic of memory in relation to homes that are not linked to childhood experiences. Another notable issue is the relationship between age and memory. From an early age, individuals develop positive and negative feelings toward their environment, which can be shaped by physical changes in residential areas. Such changes not only impact children's spatial behavior but also influence their psychological development.
When public spaces fail to consider children's needs, expectations, and desires, their design—crafted solely by adults—can negatively affect children's social, cultural, and mental development. Public spaces are often the only areas where children can play and socialize outside their homes and schools. This underscores the importance of creating environments that engage children constructively, making residential areas where significant childhood memories are formed more livable.
Conclusion:
The growing volume of studies in various fields necessitates summarizing and interpreting existing research, identifying frequently studied areas, and finding research gaps to inspire new topics for future exploration. This study addresses the critical issue of place memory within Persian language research through a systematic review.
The relatively small number of existing studies in this field suggests that place memory research is still in its infancy, with limited depth and focus. The concept of memory has not yet reached saturation in any of the discussed fields, presenting future research opportunities. The most critical factor in strengthening memory in a place—sustaining mental patterns—has been scarcely discussed in the literature. Topics related to memory, such as revival and reconstruction in historical contexts, identity, belonging, and attachment to place, have been repeatedly examined. The importance of understanding identity and the solutions some researchers offer by referencing the past, alongside the growing trend of memory studies, highlight the significance of further exploring this topic.
Urban Management
Arastoo Yari hesar; Ali Dashti
Abstract
Highlights:
- A significant portion of the Fifth Council's tenure was devoted to internal municipal matters, resulting in a limited number of approvals directly addressing urban issues, citizen concerns, or current challenges facing Tehran. In essence, the priorities of this council did not align closely ...
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Highlights:
- A significant portion of the Fifth Council's tenure was devoted to internal municipal matters, resulting in a limited number of approvals directly addressing urban issues, citizen concerns, or current challenges facing Tehran. In essence, the priorities of this council did not align closely with the immediate needs of the city or its residents.
- Where urban issues were addressed in the council's resolutions, these primarily revisited unresolved matters from previous terms, with little to no introduction of new concerns or innovative solutions.
- The specialized commissions within the Tehran City Council appeared to lack vision and expertise, evident in the scarcity of innovative topics, the neglect of global issues pertinent to Tehran, and the absence of attention to the city's major challenges.
Introduction:
Islamic councils and municipalities serve as the foundational pillars of urban governance in Iran. The Islamic Councils of Cities, as policy-making bodies, play a crucial role in shaping urban management processes and performance. The decisions and policies endorsed by these councils significantly influence urban management outcomes. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate these councils' performance by scrutinizing their resolutions to identify strengths and areas needing improvement. The most effective tool for this evaluation is an analysis of their legislative outputs.
During its five terms, the Islamic Council of Tehran has reviewed numerous bills and plans, resulting in a substantial number of resolutions. In its fifth term, the Council passed 878 resolutions across 315 meetings. This research aims to:
1. Conduct a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the resolutions passed by the Tehran Islamic Council in its fifth term.
2. Analyze and compare these resolutions with the Law on Organizations, Duties, and Powers of Councils.
3. Assess the alignment of these resolutions with the key priorities and issues facing Tehran, as well as the concerns of its citizens.
Theoretical Framework:
In a local management system that emphasizes genuine citizen participation, the primary goal is planning by the people, not merely for the people. Urban Islamic councils, as representatives of the populace, embody this participatory approach through their legislative activities. Over the past two decades, there has been a paradigm shift in urban planning and management from prescriptive to participatory approaches. This shift includes moving from a focus on results to an emphasis on processes, from reliance on existing resources to capacity building, and from government-centric solutions to problem-solving methods that leverage civil society initiatives and citizen participation. In this context, the resolutions passed by Islamic councils hold particular significance.
Methodology:
This research is classified as basic research with a developmental focus, analyzing the resolutions of the Tehran Islamic Council from an evaluative perspective. Data and information were collected through a document-library method, utilizing sources such as the Tehran Islamic Council's approvals department and the comprehensive system of council resolutions. Given that many entries in the approval system contain flaws and omissions, a compliance method was employed to correct these issues by cross-referencing each resolution individually and extracting the missing information. Moreover, due to the nature of the research—which involves the critique and evaluation of the content of the council's resolutions in its fifth term—a content analysis approach was used.
Results and Discussion:
The findings reveal that 68.1% of the fifth term council's resolutions were bills, while only 31% were plans. This suggests that more than two-thirds of the council's legislative efforts were directed towards municipal bills, leaving limited time for council members to develop and propose reformative or developmental plans. Furthermore, 93.6% of the resolutions were categorized as standard, 4.6% as urgent, and only 1.7% as highly urgent.
Conclusion:
The results of this research indicate that the fifth term of the Tehran City Council may be considered one of the weakest in terms of its contributions to urban governance. The content and thematic analysis of the resolutions suggest that:
1. A significant portion of the council's time was consumed by internal municipal matters, with few resolutions addressing urban issues, citizen concerns, or current challenges facing Tehran.
2. Many of the council's resolutions involved minor amendments to existing legislation, rather than introducing new initiatives.
3. The number of resolutions aimed at facilitating urban development and growth was notably limited.
4. The fifth term of the Tehran council was characterized by a focus on theoretical and software-related issues, with minimal emphasis on practical, hardware-related activities.
5. Key provisions of the Law on Organizations, Duties, and Powers of Councils were frequently disregarded or invalidated.
6. The council failed to address urban problem-solving effectively, with no significant new urban issues or innovative solutions emerging during this term.
Urban Ecology
najme sadat mostafavi; parvin partovi; Zhara Asadolahi
Abstract
Highlight:
- Urban development plans offer numerous opportunities to incorporate the concept of ecosystem services into the urban planning process, yet their integration remains inconsistent.
- Scientific methods to evaluate the uptake and operationalization of ecosystem services in urban planning ...
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Highlight:
- Urban development plans offer numerous opportunities to incorporate the concept of ecosystem services into the urban planning process, yet their integration remains inconsistent.
- Scientific methods to evaluate the uptake and operationalization of ecosystem services in urban planning include stakeholder interviews and content analysis of plans.
- Analyzing these plans provides a broader understanding of the potential, gaps, and limitations regarding ecosystem services.
- Cultural ecosystem services, followed by provisioning and some regulating services, receive the most attention in these plans.
- The survey and analysis phase, influenced by the scale of service studies, is the primary focus.
Introduction:
Urban areas, as human-environment systems, depend heavily on natural ecosystems for sustainability and well-being. Therefore, integrating ecosystem services into urban planning is essential for promoting sustainable urban development. Among the various decision-making processes impacting ecosystem services in cities, urban planning is arguably the most critical. Despite the increasing academic interest in ecosystem services, there are still significant knowledge gaps regarding their integration into urban planning. Incorporating ecosystem services into the management of urban land is crucial for the rational allocation of land and effective ecological management in urban areas.
However, several obstacles hinder this integration, including the inadequacies in the content and process of urban development plans, the limitations of current planning tools, the lack of knowledge about ecosystem services, the absence of relevant institutions and executive organizations, and the deficiency in the application of ecosystem services knowledge in practice and policy. Moreover, the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks are often lacking. This paper aims to examine both the current and potential utilization of ecosystem services in urban development plans, specifically focusing on the city of Arak.
Methods:
Two dominant scientific approaches are employed to evaluate the uptake and operationalization of ecosystem services in urban planning: interviewing stakeholders and analyzing the content of plans and policies. Content analysis of urban development plan documents provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential, gaps, and limitations related to the inclusion of ecosystem services in urban planning practices. To achieve this goal, a content analysis method with a directional approach (deductive method based on theory) was utilized. The study examined the extent to which 19 ecosystem services were addressed within three components of the Arak development and construction plan: the information base, vision/objectives, and actions.
A scoring protocol was developed to assess the quality of ecosystem services inclusion in urban plans. This protocol used a 3-point scale, with scores ranging from zero (no inclusion), one (implicit inclusion), to two (explicit inclusion).
Results:
Among the regulating services, air purification and local ventilation services were mentioned 109 times, with the highest frequency (34 times) in the analysis section (database). The content analysis revealed that healthy water production was referenced 99 times, while food production was mentioned 82 times. Regarding supporting services, soil quality was noted nine times in total, with the highest mention (four times) in the analysis section. Among cultural services, recreational services and mental experiences were mentioned 94 times, with the highest frequency (26 times) in the city survey and knowledge section.
The results indicate that the ecosystem services concept is partially integrated into the mentioned development document. However, the document lacks a holistic view of urban ecology and its benefits. In the three examined components, ecosystem services were mentioned 607 times, both implicitly (312 times - 51.4%) and explicitly (295 times - 48.6%), with the most attention given to the information base component (358 times - 59%). The significant difference in the score for cultural services (400) compared to provisioning (274), regulating (198), and supporting (30) services suggests that cultural services are more comprehensively included in the Arak metropolis plan.
Discussion:
The inconsistency in addressing each service or concept across the three components highlights a lack of significant correlation between data collection, analysis, goal formulation, vision development, plan preparation, and the establishment of rules and regulations. Another critical issue is the misalignment between the process and content of these plans with new concepts, as well as the weakness of the comprehensive rational process in integrating these concepts. To incorporate new ideas like ecosystem services into urban development plans, not only is there a need to strengthen content and process, but also to improve planning tools. Empirical studies suggest that tools such as Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) can help bridge this gap.
Conclusion:
Incorporating the concept of ecosystem services into new laws, guidelines, or revisions of existing plans and programs is a complex process that cannot be accomplished in the short term. The presence of informed stakeholders, public decision-makers, and experts is essential. Additionally, it is crucial to form interdisciplinary teams within both consulting engineering firms that prepare urban development plans and public institutions responsible for drafting and approving these plans. Tools such as Strategic Impact Assessment (SIA) are recommended to evaluate proposed alternatives and select the final options.
Urban Planning
Yaghob Abdali; Saeed Zanganeh Shahraki; hossein hataminejad; Ahmad Pourahmad; Mohammd Salmani
Abstract
Highlights:
Flooding is one of the most common, widespread, and devastating natural disasters.
Strengthening capacities to better prepare for, cope with, and recover from adverse effects is crucial for addressing increasing risks from natural events.
This article establishes a framework for building ...
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Highlights:
Flooding is one of the most common, widespread, and devastating natural disasters.
Strengthening capacities to better prepare for, cope with, and recover from adverse effects is crucial for addressing increasing risks from natural events.
This article establishes a framework for building resilience in Khorramabad city.
Introduction:
Global climate changes, primarily manifested as global warming and rapid urbanization, exacerbate extreme weather events. Statistics indicate that floods are among the most prevalent and catastrophic natural disasters (Safiah Yusmah et al., 2020: 552). Urban floods caused by heavy rainfall have evolved from gradual accumulation to sudden surges (Masozera et al., 2007: 299; Hallegatte et al., 2013: 802). Therefore, urban flood resilience, crucial for flood control and disaster reduction, has garnered increasing research focus (Obrist et al., 2010: 284; Xu et al., 2018: 5298). The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030), endorsed by the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015, and the 2018 Beijing Resilient City Development Plan, underscore the importance of enhancing urban resilience to disasters (Sun et al., 2022: 1).
To address the growing risk of natural events, it is essential to strengthen capacities that enable vulnerable communities to better prepare for, cope with, and recover from adverse effects. In disaster management literature, this strategy is commonly referred to as resilience. Resilience, when applied to communities, is defined as "the ability of a community to prepare for, plan, absorb, recover, and adapt to actual or potential adverse events in a timely and efficient manner, including rebuilding and improving essential functions and structures." A resilient community incurs fewer losses and recovers more swiftly from hazardous events (Cutter et al., 2014: 65; Abdali et al., 2022: 6).
Theoretical Framework:
The concept of resilience originated from Holling's seminal work in ecology, aimed at understanding the instability and dynamics of nature. According to Holling, resilience is "the measure of a system's ability to absorb change and disturbance while maintaining the same relationships between populations or state variables." However, resilience is not simply "the ability of a system to return to equilibrium after a temporary disturbance" (Holling, 1973: 14-17). In ecological literature, two definitions of resilience emerged: one that encompasses continuity, change, and unpredictability in a nonlinear and non-equilibrium system (ecological resilience), and another that focuses on efficiency, stability, and predictability in a single equilibrium system (engineering resilience) (Holling, 1996: 25; Folke, 2006: 256). Engineering resilience emphasizes rapid and efficient recovery post-disturbance, while ecological resilience is about absorbing changes and ensuring continuity (Pickett et al., 2004: 373).
Methodology:
This study employs a combined multi-criteria decision-making approach using the Analytic Network Process (ANP), DEMATEL technique, and the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE). The DEMATEL-ANP model identifies internal relationships between indicators, allowing for pairwise comparisons and weight evaluation, while PROMETHEE ranks solutions based on their proximity to the ideal solution, with the best solution being closest to the ideal point (Chen et al., 2011: 909; Chiu et al., 2013: 49; Thor et al., 2013: 27; Ju et al., 2015: 348-349).
Results and Discussion:
Resilience in Khorramabad exhibits a clear spatial pattern, with higher resilience in affluent upper city areas and lower resilience in less affluent lower city areas. This disparity highlights the inequitable distribution of urban facilities and services, emphasizing the need for equitable development and access to vital resources. Economic resilience is surprisingly lower in the city’s economic center due to deteriorated infrastructure and the residence of lower socio-economic strata. Institutional resilience is higher in central areas, benefiting from the concentration of governmental, private, and grassroots organizations.
Peripheral areas suffer from inadequate infrastructure, resulting in lower overall resilience. Social capital resilience lacks a specific spatial pattern, with most areas rated as medium to low, indicating weak community connections. Environmental resilience shows that city center areas are more prone to flooding, while higher resilience is observed in different parts of the city, possibly due to land permeability and river positions.
Comparative analysis reveals that regions 1, 4, 7, 13, and 17 have the lowest resilience, while regions 23 and 14 rank high. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of resilience levels at the city scale, identifying areas requiring further intervention.
Conclusion:
Mapping the results reveals distinct spatial patterns of resilience and identifies hotspots needing more intervention. Central and western regions, with lower resilience, require more attention. Environmental and infrastructural factors are key, directly relating to land use and planning. The findings can assist Khorramabad’s urban planning organizations in integrating disaster resilience into urban planning, transforming reactive plans into proactive adaptation strategies. Additionally, identifying potential hotspots can aid emergency management institutions in effective disaster risk management. Enhancing social resilience is crucial for community capacity building to prepare for, respond to, and adapt to climate change impacts, guiding local stakeholders in fostering fair development and equitable resource access.
Urban Sociology
Mohammad Reza Zamiri; mahin nastaran; Mahmoud Ghalehnoee
Abstract
Highlights:
- Socio-spatial segregation at the urban neighborhood level is a significant manifestation of spatial inequality and injustice, affecting the overall quality of urban life and access to resources.
- The main objective of this research is to assess and quantify the social and spatial segregation ...
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Highlights:
- Socio-spatial segregation at the urban neighborhood level is a significant manifestation of spatial inequality and injustice, affecting the overall quality of urban life and access to resources.
- The main objective of this research is to assess and quantify the social and spatial segregation of ethnic groups within the neighborhoods of Bojnord, with a specific focus on understanding how these patterns have evolved over time.
- The research findings indicate that the clustering of the Turkmen population within Bojnord's neighborhoods has notably intensified between the years 1385 and 1395, signaling a growing trend of ethnic concentration.
- This study further explores the broader implications of residential segregation, particularly how it influences the quality of life, access to services, and social cohesion in urban neighborhoods.
Introduction:
In recent years, the study of socio-spatial segregation has gained increasing importance within the fields of urban and social sciences, especially with the advent of advanced computational tools that facilitate more precise measurements and analyses. Socio-spatial segregation at the neighborhood level represents one of the most visible and impactful forms of spatial inequality and social injustice within urban settings. By providing tools for effective measurement, researchers and policymakers can better evaluate and analyze the extent and severity of these inequalities, gaining insights into the distribution of resources and opportunities across different social groups.
Moreover, tracking the evolution of segregation over time within a specific geographical area allows for a deeper understanding of how urban development, migration patterns, and policy interventions influence the spatial organization of populations. This, in turn, sheds light on the degree to which citizens have equitable access to essential services, such as education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, as well as the overall quality of life in different urban neighborhoods.
Theoretical Framework:
The primary goal of this research is to measure the social and spatial segregation of ethnic groups within the neighborhoods of Bojnord and to analyze how these patterns have evolved over time. The central research question that guides this study is: What are the socio-spatial dimensions of residential segregation among ethnic groups in Bojnord, and how are these dimensions changing in response to broader social, economic, and political factors?
Since Bojnord's designation as the capital of North Khorasan province in 2003, the city has undergone rapid growth and transformation. Its population has nearly doubled, and its physical area has tripled by 2021, largely due to significant waves of migration from nearby villages, other cities, and even regions beyond the provincial borders. These demographic changes have inevitably led to shifts in the social and spatial organization of the city, raising important questions about the nature and consequences of residential segregation in this context.
Methodology:
The research employs a descriptive and analytical approach, utilizing the latest population statistics, along with data on the ethnic and religious composition of Bojnord's neighborhoods. This data was collected and analyzed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of residential segregation in the city. In addition, the study draws on population statistics and compositions from previous census periods, particularly those following Bojnord's designation as the provincial capital, to track changes in segregation patterns over time.
To measure the socio-spatial dimensions of residential segregation, the study utilizes the Geo-Segregation Analyzer software, which generates detailed maps to visualize the distribution and concentration of different ethnic and religious groups within the city. These maps provide a clear representation of how various social groups are spatially organized within Bojnord, highlighting areas of significant ethnic clustering and isolation.
Results and Discussion:
The analysis reveals that the distribution of populations, particularly those who have migrated to Bojnord in recent years, is heavily influenced by the city's ethnic and cultural diversity. Among the 26 districts of Bojnord, the highest dissimilarity index was observed between the Turkmen and Tat ethnicities, indicating a pronounced level of segregation between these two groups.
Despite the high concentration of Turkmen and Tat populations in certain neighborhoods, the Tat group does not exhibit significant spatial isolation compared to other ethnic groups. However, the clustering of the Turkmen population within Bojnord's neighborhoods increased markedly between 1385 and 1395, coinciding with a substantial influx of Turkmen immigrants during this period. This trend has continued in subsequent years, although at a slower pace, as immigration rates have declined recently.
The results of this study offer valuable insights into the extent and intensity of segregation among different social groups, both ethnic and religious, within Bojnord's neighborhoods. Various indicators were employed to measure the dimensions of residential segregation, revealing that much of the population growth in Bojnord over the past two decades has been driven by immigration rather than natural population growth. Immigrant groups, particularly those belonging to specific ethnic and religious communities, have tended to settle in neighborhoods where others of similar backgrounds are already concentrated, further reinforcing the spatial concentration of these groups in specific areas of the city.
Conclusion:
The findings of this research indicate that since Bojnord's designation as the capital of North Khorasan province, residential segregation among ethnic groups has intensified, with the Turkmen ethnic group showing the most significant growth in segregation indices. If this trend continues, it may lead to heightened social tensions and conflicts, as the spatial separation of ethnic groups can exacerbate existing inequalities and contribute to social fragmentation.
Given Bojnord's status as a provincial capital and its diverse ethnic composition, the social and spatial segregation of ethnic groups within urban neighborhoods poses significant challenges for urban planners and policymakers. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving the quality of life for all residents, ensuring equitable access to housing, support services, and opportunities in key areas such as employment, education, and healthcare. Policymakers must consider strategies to promote greater social integration and cohesion within the city, fostering a more inclusive and just urban environment for all its inhabitants.
