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How Sustainable Is Our Urban Social-Sustainability Theory?

Author

Listed:
  • Liora Bigon

    (Multidisciplinary Studies School, HIT—Holon Institute of Technology, Holon 5810201, Israel)

  • Edna Langenthal

    (School of Architecture, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel)

Abstract

This short opinion article critically comments on some current mainstream trends, characteristics, and biases in urban social sustainability research literature. Through identifying some gaps regarding geography, sub-topics, and study approaches, and through considering “off-the-map” southern urban realities, it calls for the need to refocus and reshape some of the basic notions and presumptions that currently stand behind urban social sustainability theory, concepts, and policy design. Enhancing our sensitivity to truly global urban conditions, argue the authors, would result in less expected and generic (Eurocentric) approaches regarding urban social sustainability and would contribute to its more meaningful and comprehensive understanding. A bias towards qualitative, place-based, and context-sensitive analysis is a necessary step in rendering urban social sustainability truly global as well as in the making of more place-intelligent and place-responsive planning interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Liora Bigon & Edna Langenthal, 2023. "How Sustainable Is Our Urban Social-Sustainability Theory?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-7, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:10:p:8324-:d:1151467
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jennifer Robinson, 2002. "Global and world cities: a view from off the map," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(3), pages 531-554, September.
    2. Suopajärvi, Leena & Poelzer, Gregory A. & Ejdemo, Thomas & Klyuchnikova, Elena & Korchak, Elena & Nygaard, Vigdis, 2016. "Social sustainability in northern mining communities: A study of the European North and Northwest Russia," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 61-68.
    3. David Fourie & Cornel Malan, 2021. "Can Public Procurement Requirements for Railway Transport Promote Economic and Social Sustainability in South Africa?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-16, October.
    4. Jinvo Nam & Nicola Dempsey, 2018. "Community Food Growing in Parks? Assessing the Acceptability and Feasibility in Sheffield, UK," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-21, August.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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