Social Inclusion
One of the main priorities of urban researchers and administrators is to provide an urban environment and spatial conditions where individuals with different social origins, characteristics and preferences are able to develop the practice and culture of coexistence. Despite the expected reduction of poverty, income inequality and exclusion by means of the economic and social policies of today's cities, urban poverty has become persistent and the income gap among different social classes deepens.
Social inequalities may lead to spatial disparities in the urban environment as well as exclusion and inequities in access to public facilities and policy-making. This situation may leave migrants, children, women, families, the poor, the elderly, the youth, the disabled, and the unemployed confronted not only with physical but also with social exclusion. Reducing poverty, ensuring economic and social welfare, combatting social inequalities and taking all social demands into consideration equally are of vital importance for sustainable cities and communities. Even though new approaches (such as ‘friendly cities’ and ‘cities for all’) aimed in particular at increasing the usage levels of and access to urban spaces have been developed and implemented in recent years, improvements in the economic, social, and cultural capital of these social groups have been far from being substantial.
Social, spatial, economic, and cultural policies must be brought to the agenda with a holistic perspective in order to prevent social exclusion and to promote inclusion. By using a critical approach under the theme of “Social Inclusion,” MARUF aims to discuss the causes of social inequalities and recommendations for policies and applications to prevent and mitigate these inequalities. Discussing the issue of social inclusion in Istanbul, a unique city characterized by rich historical and social experience will contribute to the development of policies and practices and provide added value to the field.
Sessions
| Session Name | Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living together: New approaches and practices | 1 October 2019 | 16:00 - 17:30 | Emirgan 2 |
| Inclusion matters: Leaving no one behind | 2 October 2019 | 14:00 - 15:30 | Üsküdar 3 |
