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City and Soul in Divided Societies: Planning History and Environment

Heath Powell

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Cities are often seen as engines of economic growth and social progress. But in many cities around the world, social divisions are on the rise. This is a major challenge for urban planners, who are tasked with creating livable and sustainable cities for all.

City and Soul in Divided Societies (Planning, History and Environment)

by Scott A. Bollens

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7079 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	290 pages

In City and Soul in Divided Societies: Planning History and Environment, a new book from Routledge, I explore the complex relationship between urban planning and social division in divided societies. Through a series of case studies from around the world, the book examines how planning has been used to both create and mitigate social division, and the challenges and opportunities for planning in divided societies today.

Planning and the Creation of Social Division

Planning can be a powerful tool for creating social division. This is especially true in divided societies, where there is often a history of mistrust and conflict between different groups.

For example, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, planning has been used to create physical barriers between Protestant and Catholic communities. These barriers, known as "peace walls," have been in place for decades, and they have helped to reinforce the social division between the two communities.

Another example of how planning can create social division is the construction of gated communities. These communities are often built on the outskirts of cities, and they are designed to exclude outsiders. Gated communities can create a sense of isolation and mistrust between the residents of these communities and the rest of the city.

Planning and the Mitigation of Social Division

Planning can also be used to mitigate social division. This is especially true in divided societies, where there is a need to create inclusive and welcoming cities for all.

For example, in Barcelona, Spain, planning has been used to create a more inclusive city for immigrants. The city has invested in affordable housing, language classes, and other services for immigrants. These initiatives have helped to create a more welcoming environment for immigrants, and they have helped to reduce social division in the city.

Another example of how planning can be used to mitigate social division is the creation of community gardens. Community gardens are public spaces where people can grow their own food. These gardens can help to create a sense of community and belonging, and they can help to reduce social isolation.

Challenges and Opportunities for Planning in Divided Societies

Planning in divided societies is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity. Planners have a unique opportunity to create inclusive and sustainable cities that can help to overcome social division.

There are a number of challenges that planners face in divided societies. One challenge is the need to balance the interests of different groups. Another challenge is the need to overcome the legacy of past planning decisions that have created social division.

Despite these challenges, there are also a number of opportunities for planning in divided societies. One opportunity is the potential for planning to create more inclusive and sustainable cities. Another opportunity is the potential for planning to help to build trust and cooperation between different groups.

City and Soul in Divided Societies: Planning History and Environment is a timely and important book that explores the complex relationship between urban planning and social division in divided societies. The book provides a valuable resource for planners, policymakers, and anyone else who is interested in creating more inclusive and sustainable cities.

The book is available now from Routledge: https://www.routledge.com/City-and-Soul-in-Divided-Societies-Planning-History-and/Dawson/p/book/9780367540326

City and Soul in Divided Societies (Planning, History and Environment)

by Scott A. Bollens

4.4 out of 5