Mapping socio-economic inequalities in the city of Naples: a spatial analysis through the gender dimension

Abstract

In the domain of urban studies, the analysis of inequalities has assumed increasing significance, given the close linkage between the spatial configurations of the city and the social and economic processes that determine their perpetuation.
A critical reflection on the relationship between urban form and social justice, as well as on the right to the city, has guided urban planning practices towards the implementation of redistributive policies. The objective of these policies is to strengthen urban welfare. This is complemented by a perspective that focuses on individual differences – particularly in terms of gender, age and ability – in shaping access to and use of urban space, and in determining the extent to which the right to the city can be exercised.
At the intersection of these two approaches, this contribution — developed as part of the PRIN research project “Mapping the new spatial inequalities within Southern European cities” — presents an analysis of socio-economic inequalities in the city of Naples, utilising spatial analysis techniques within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment.
The present study focuses on two variables considered to be protective factors against the reproduction of inequalities, namely educational attainment and employment status. The study examines the distribution of these variables among the female population. The objective of this study is to produce a geography of gender-based inequalities by identifying patterns of spatial homogeneity and heterogeneity, with a view to mapping urban areas characterised by higher levels of socio-economic vulnerability.