The planning research agenda: plural cities, equity and rights of citizenship

Abstract

Today it is self-evident that across the world we all -- more or less -- live in plural cities. A number of factors connected to development and underdevelopment processes as well as to the phenomena of social polarisation on a world scale are seen to be connected to this transformation. As a consequence, new, unexpected geographies are being created and old phenomena are taking new forms and dimensions. In this new geography of exclusion, fostered by the mechanisms of the new capitalist system and the crisis of the welfare state, inequality in cities is spreading significantly. What are the objectives and issues of planning research in these new urban circumstances? How is it possible to define a planning research agenda able to face such issues, both theoretically and practically? How is it possible to guarantee equity and justice, even while recognising differences? How can planning contribute to the recognition of citizenship and rights? The paper, in order to improve and strengthen our understanding and capacity for action, highlights the theoretical and operational interfaces between the rights of citizenship and planning.