Urban and Regional Development Planning
Alireza Vaziri Zadeh; Nasrin Haghshenas
Abstract
Over the past three decades, market-driven dynamics have profoundly influenced the Iranian housing system, leading to significant commodification of housing. This commodification has exacerbated housing unaffordability, particularly for low-income households, despite a substantial increase in the ...
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Over the past three decades, market-driven dynamics have profoundly influenced the Iranian housing system, leading to significant commodification of housing. This commodification has exacerbated housing unaffordability, particularly for low-income households, despite a substantial increase in the overall housing stock. Furthermore, market forces have contributed to the spatial segregation of various social groups during this period. Theoretically, state intervention in the housing market—through initiatives such as social housing programs—has the potential to enhance the affordability of formal housing and mitigate social stratification. The Maskan-i-Mehr program was conceived and implemented to address the shortcomings of the Iranian housing market. However, this social housing initiative has failed to effectively counteract the prevailing market dynamics, resulting in the emergence of numerous marginalized communities. Residents of Maskan-i-Mehr now experience heightened social and spatial segregation compared to their prior living conditions. Many have relocated from urban centers to the peripheries, where Maskan-i-Mehr estates are situated. This transition has led to the marginalization of these residents, adversely affecting their livability and overall social conditions. By focusing on the Maskan-i-Mehr developments in the new towns of Pardis and Parand, this paper seeks to evaluate how contemporary social housing programs in Iran have fostered a “new social life in new communities.” Specifically, it aims to investigate how the livability conditions for individuals who migrated to these new communities have significantly transformed.Keywords: Market-based Dynamics, Maskan-i-Mehr Program, Marginalization, Social-Spatial Segregation, Metropolitan Area of Tehran. IntroductionOver the past three decades, the Iranian housing system has experienced substantial changes; however, it has largely failed to adequately address the housing needs of many low-income households. A critical issue lies in the inappropriate commodification of the formal housing market, which has overlooked the fundamental requirements of disadvantaged demographics. This oversight has resulted in a persistent deficit of affordable and adequate housing options. Despite a significant expansion in the housing stock, a considerable unmet demand persists, leading to a pronounced housing gap. Market-driven dynamics have exerted considerable influence on the Iranian housing landscape during this period, with commodification rendering housing increasingly unaffordable, particularly for low-income families. Additionally, these market forces have contributed to the spatial segregation of various social groups. Theoretically, state intervention through social housing programs could mitigate the adverse impacts of market dynamics, reconfigure existing institutions, and enhance overall housing affordability.The Maskan-i-Mehr program was established to address these housing deficiencies and to fulfill the unmet needs of the population. Initiated in the mid-2000s, in the wake of increased oil revenues, the program aimed to provide affordable housing for economically marginalized families. However, despite the construction of over two million housing units, the program's effectiveness has been limited. Bureaucratic inefficiencies and deregulation have led to the re-commodification of Maskan-i-Mehr housing, thereby restricting access for many low-income households. The 2013 deregulation marked a significant shift towards free-market principles, heavily influenced by powerful real estate interests, further complicating the housing landscape. While Maskan-i-Mehr introduced a distinct housing segment separate from informal practices, it has also engendered new communities characterized by unique social dynamics. Residents often encounter a markedly altered quality of life compared to their previous circumstances. This paper contends that the peripheral locations of these communities have contributed to both spatial segregation and social isolation.This article explores two interrelated questions: First, how has the Maskan-i-Mehr program exacerbated spatial and social segregation in Tehran and its peripheries? Second, what social tensions have emerged within these newly established communities? To address these inquiries, it is imperative to analyze the social strata and economic conditions of Maskan-i-Mehr residents and to understand how their relocation has transformed their everyday social interactions.Literature ReviewThe theoretical framework of this article integrates various concepts pertinent to social and spatial segregation. We commence by reviewing the concept of segregation as it is defined within contemporary urban sociology. Following this foundational discussion, we engage with relevant theories that investigate the effects of segregation on the livability and social quality of affected communities.Spatial segregation emerges as an inescapable phenomenon within market-based economies. In numerous contemporary cities globally, the dynamics of capitalism act as primary catalysts for the perpetuation of social-spatial segregation across both urban and regional contexts. When these market dynamics operate unchecked, the process of segregation is exacerbated, resulting in pronounced socio-economic divides.In market-driven economies, housing is commodified, rendering it one of the most significant and costly assets for the average household. This commodification results in higher-quality housing and more desirable locations being accessible primarily to affluent families. Over time, the forces of market dynamics foster a gradual categorization of neighborhoods according to specific social classes, thereby entrenching disparities in access to resources and opportunities. As wealthier families occupy more desirable areas, low-income households are increasingly relegated to segregated neighborhoods characterized by inadequate essential services. This spatial marginalization ultimately detrimentally affects their quality of life and social mobility.MethodologyThis article utilizes the ASID analytical model to investigate the dynamics of socio-spatial segregation within the metropolitan area of Tehran, particularly as they relate to the Maskan-i-Mehr program. Developed by Moulaert and Jessop (2007) as part of the DEMOLOGOS project, the ASID model—encompassing "Agency," "Structure," "Institution," and "Discourse"—serves as a methodological framework for comprehending the complexities inherent in urban and regional development. It enables a multi-scalar analysis of socio-economic restructuring and institutional transformations.By employing the ASID framework, this article seeks to identify the factors within Iran's housing system that have influenced and reshaped the spatial order of urban environments, while also assessing whether the Maskan-i-Mehr program has exacerbated these spatial dynamics. The objective is to elucidate the behaviors, or the absence thereof, during the program's implementation that have contributed to the segregation of communities in both Tehran and its peripheral areas. In the context of contemporary Iranian urban development, segregation is evident through the emergence of distinct communities that are populated by different social classes based on income levels.To evaluate the impacts of social-spatial segregation, this study specifically examines the Maskan-i-Mehr estates situated in the new towns of Pardis and Parand. These locations are particularly significant as they represent the two largest Maskan-i-Mehr estates in Iran, making them ideal case studies. The research methodology involved extensive fieldwork, encompassing in-depth interviews and surveys to capture various dimensions of social life within these new communities. Through this empirical approach, the article aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the social dynamics at play in the Maskan-i-Mehr developments and their role in reinforcing or challenging existing patterns of segregation.Results & DiscussionIn this article, we argue that the social dynamics within the new communities established by the Maskan-i-Mehr program occupy a complex intersection of formality and informality. Unlike informal market housing, which is characterized by its responsiveness to the economic needs of low-income families and its flexible construction processes, Maskan-i-Mehr lacks these defining features. While the program is constructed and regulated within a formal framework, it has nonetheless contributed to the marginalization and peripheralization of its residents—conditions typically associated with informal housing in Iran. Moreover, the quality of housing provided under this program is frequently substandard, and residents often face significant barriers to accessing essential services.This article also investigates how the proliferation of social housing in the peripheral areas of Tehran over the past decade has reshaped the socio-spatial landscape of the city. We examine the notion of a "new social life" among middle-income families residing in Maskan-i-Mehr projects, critically assessing whether the program has genuinely improved their living conditions in regions such as Pardis and Parand.Central to our analysis is the tension experienced by these residents as they navigate conflicting demands arising from their adaptation to an environment that markedly differs from their previous living situations. Our findings indicate that the livability and overall quality of social life for individuals who have relocated to Maskan-i-Mehr have, in fact, deteriorated. This decline is intricately linked to the socio-spatial segregation encountered by these inhabitants, thereby illuminating the complexities inherent in their new community life.ConclusionThe marginalization experienced by residents of the Maskan-i-Mehr program, while less severe than that seen in many informal settlements on the periphery of Tehran, has nonetheless resulted in a level of social and spatial segregation that these individuals had not encountered prior to their relocation. Many of the program’s residents transitioned from urban areas to peripheral communities, a move that has had a detrimental impact on their livability and social well-being. Maskan-i-Mehr constitutes approximately 7% to 9% of Iran's overall housing stock and has fostered the emergence of a "new social life" within its communities, a phenomenon previously unseen in the country. This program has effectively created a lower tier within the formal housing market, which can be conceptualized as a "twilight segment." This segment occupies a liminal space between formal and informal housing, exhibiting a complex duality that reflects the intertwined characteristics of both market types. This "twilight segment" underscores the blurred boundaries between regulated formal housing and the marginalized conditions often associated with informality.
Urban and Regional Development Planning
Saman Yousefvand; Shapour Salmanvandi; Morteza Ganji
Abstract
The current study adopts a critical ethnographic approach to delve into the plight of the marginalized community in Khorramabad city. Its primary objective is to illuminate the prevailing narratives that encapsulate individuals' lived experiences within this marginalized group. Furthermore, the ...
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The current study adopts a critical ethnographic approach to delve into the plight of the marginalized community in Khorramabad city. Its primary objective is to illuminate the prevailing narratives that encapsulate individuals' lived experiences within this marginalized group. Furthermore, the study aims to offer a realistic analysis of the local conditions and needs specific to the area, all within the context of the locality. To achieve these goals, purposeful sampling methods were employed, and data was gathered through the use of participatory observation tools and semi-structured interviews, followed by meticulous analysis using thematic analysis techniques. A total of 21 interviews were conducted across seven marginalized neighborhoods in Khorram Abad city. Following the coding process, 109 primary codes and 11 organizing themes were identified, ranging from issues such as dangerous living conditions, migrant populations, job insecurity, inadequate urban infrastructure, limited negotiating power, organizational shortcomings, confrontational management styles, perceptions of inequality, shirking of responsibilities, interventions for development, to the absence of institutional support. These findings culminated in the selection of the overarching theme of the study: "the entrapment of powerlessness and deprivation within the marginalized community." The crux of the article's argument lies in attributing the powerlessness and deprivation prevalent in Khorramabad's marginalized community to the unequal hierarchical structures within the planning and implementation systems, coupled with inefficient community organization. To ameliorate the marginalized community's circumstances, the study advocates for the adoption of a justice-centered urban governance approach and the reconfiguration of urban societal structures.
Keywords: Social Issue, Marginalization, Powerlessness, Poverty and Deprivation Trap, Urban Governance.
Introduction
Marginalization, predominantly an urban phenomenon, signifies the condition where residents lack access to the economic and official urban infrastructure, often resembling living conditions in slum areas. These marginalized communities typically form in semi-permanent or permanent settlements along rivers, railway lines, city entrances and exits, among other locations (Cahyani, D. Widaningsih, 2019). In recent years, the escalating number of marginal areas and the ensuing repercussions has propelled marginalization into a pressing challenge within the nation's planning and decision-making framework. Recognizing the gravity and repercussions of marginalization, various stakeholders such as experts, policymakers, and civil activists have scrutinized and elucidated this phenomenon through different lenses. Academic scholars and researchers delve into the causes, contexts, and consequences of marginalization; policymakers enact laws and regulations and undertake executive initiatives; while civil activists form campaigns and organizations to aid the impoverished and vulnerable populations residing in informal settlements and marginalized areas.
The predicament of marginalization gains heightened sensitivity in disadvantaged provinces like Lorestan. The prevalence of hierarchical disparities, inequities in access to resources at the macro level, soaring rates of unemployment, poverty, deprivation, and deeply entrenched ethnic and tribal biases amplify the ramifications and ramifications of this challenge within such regions. In Khorramabad city, marginalized communities are dispersed across the urban landscape, spanning central and peripheral areas, characterized by marginal infrastructure and external perceptions shrouded in pessimism, juxtaposed with the proliferation of poverty and social adversities. Addressing the issue of marginalization in Khorramabad city emerges as a pressing necessity.
Consequently, several studies have explored facets of marginalization issues (causes, contexts, and consequences) in Lorestan province. This article, employing a critical ethnographic approach and thematic analysis technique, endeavors to comprehend the predicament of the marginalized community in Khorramabad city. It seeks to illuminate the predominant narratives drawn from individuals' lived experiences within these marginalized settings and, subsequently, offering a contextualized and realistic analysis tailored to the region's specific demands. Hence, this research endeavors to address fundamental questions such as: What is the marginalized community's perception of their marginalization situation? How do they interpret their experiences residing in these marginalized areas?
Literature Review
Numerous studies have delved into the realms of marginalization and informal settlements. Many of these research endeavors, adopting a survey approach, have explored the factors influencing the emergence of informal settlements and migration to the peripheries of cities (Rabbani et al., 2015; Zangiabadi and Mobaraki, 2011; Naqdi, 2012; Taleb and Yusuf-Vand, 2014; Biranvand, 2013; Mirzapur, 2014). These studies have highlighted that the socio-economic dynamics between the origin (village) and the destination play a pivotal role in shaping migration patterns and fostering the development of informal settlements. Additionally, there have been physical studies analyzing the spatial distribution of urban poverty (Mirzapour, 2014; Khodayi and Timuri, 2015).
Research in the field of marginalization boasts a rich historical background, encompassing various thematic areas. Primarily adopting a survey methodology, many of these studies have scrutinized the root causes, contexts, and repercussions of marginalization and migration. Some inquiries influenced by a physical perspective have explored aspects of marginalization and the spatial distribution of urban poverty. Others have focused on social issues, detriments, and the distinctive traits of marginalized populations. Amidst these endeavors, a scant few have approached the lives of marginalized communities through an emic lens, seeking to understand their perspectives and experiences firsthand.
Therefore, to contribute to and enhance the existing body of research, this study endeavors to elucidate and interpret the reality of marginalization through the voice of the marginalized community, aiming to enrich the scholarly discourse on this pressing issue.
Methodology
This research employs a qualitative and critical ethnographic methodology, with data analysis conducted through thematic analysis. Critical ethnography delves into power dynamics and mechanisms of domination to examine the conditions for progress and impediments to improvement (Madison, 2012). The study utilized purposive sampling to select participants, interviewing 21 marginalized individuals across seven neighborhoods in Khorram Abad city until theoretical saturation was achieved, indicating that no new insights were forthcoming from additional interviews. Consequently, the authors utilized this sample for data analysis, ensuring a comprehensive representation. Efforts were made to encompass a diverse range of perspectives by including participants of varying genders and age groups. The research commenced with an exploratory phase involving immersion in the community under study, followed by data collection through participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, and in-depth interviews. This methodological approach sought to provide a nuanced understanding of the experiences and viewpoints of marginalized individuals within the context of their lived realities.
Results
The research findings reveal a multitude of challenges faced by marginalized and impoverished residents in the region, including insufficient income, engagement in precarious and informal work, widespread social issues (e.g., addiction, conflicts, theft), unsafe living conditions, disregard for civic responsibilities in accessing public resources, environmental degradation, inadequate housing and unauthorized construction, absence of essential amenities and services, and limited engagement in local governance. Within this study, disadvantaged communities have highlighted diverse facets of their struggles and hardships. Subsequently, the identified issues are synthesized into overarching thematic categories for presentation and analysis.
5. Conclusion
This research, adopting a critical ethnography approach and employing thematic analysis, aims to explore the circumstances and challenges faced by the marginalized community in Khorram Abad city. The research findings are presented through an analytical-thematic model, with the primary category derived from community data being "powerlessness and the entrapment of marginalization." This concept underscores the dire conditions and precarious existence of the marginalized community in Khorram Abad city, ensnared in a complex web of intertwined marginalization. Various facets of their powerlessness and deprivation intertwine to alienate them from mainstream society and official culture. This issue is rooted in the failure of organizational and administrative policies of government entities. Local residents critique the ineffectiveness, deficiencies, and incapacity of governmental institutions in managing and empowering marginalized areas. They perceive themselves as victims of unjust social policies implemented by these institutions, which have hindered societal development and neglected community needs and preferences.
Osman Hedayat
Abstract
The urban district of Naysar is the largest district with the highest population density in Sanandaj city, and in parallel, it has the most challenges and issues. Among these challenges and issues is the issue of ownership and housing, which has involved the residents and owners of this area in addition ...
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The urban district of Naysar is the largest district with the highest population density in Sanandaj city, and in parallel, it has the most challenges and issues. Among these challenges and issues is the issue of ownership and housing, which has involved the residents and owners of this area in addition to planners and officials. The current research considering the theory of urban regeneration analyzes how this area's physical-spatial development and territorial disputes have occurred and provides housing and ownership rights to the residents of this area. The method used in this research is an institutional ethnographic method that analyzed the situation using semi-structured interview data with 25 managers and urban planners as well as local trustees and collected statistics and organizational information related to the measures taken in the study area. The results show that due to the power of the owners and entrepreneurs and institutions such as the municipality, the marginal residents have been rejected or forced to accept the existing situation in these conflicts. The categories of urban-rural infrastructure, illegal constructions and smuggling of urban services, lack of strategic urban planning, lack of sufficient credits, and lack of stakeholder interaction indicate the conditions that have caused socio-economic instability.
Marziyeh Shahryari; Fatemeh Hamidi
Abstract
Informal housing is a common style of urban growth in most developing countries and is organized somehow which is neither urban nor rural. This study aimed to understand the daily life experience of citizens in the suburbs of Hoveyzeh city in Khuzestan province. The research method in this research was ...
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Informal housing is a common style of urban growth in most developing countries and is organized somehow which is neither urban nor rural. This study aimed to understand the daily life experience of citizens in the suburbs of Hoveyzeh city in Khuzestan province. The research method in this research was based on the qualitative method in the form of data theory and the data collection technique was semi-structured interviews and participatory field observations. To achieve the research objectives, 20 residents of these areas have been purposefully selected. Interviews continued until the saturation of data. After coding, 21 main categories of data emerged, each of which was analyzed based on the text of the interviews. In terms of conditions including (lack of support and skills, disregard for spatial justice, the need to change the space for social change, sense of abandonment, direct experience of war, actors' mental contexts, historical criticism of the produced space, marginalized lifestyle, acceptance and normal Marginal life, destiny and heredity, local dependence on interests and connections, combination of fear and narrative) and in the action-interaction dimension (confrontation, conflict, comparison, feeling of despair in changing the situation, the blind cycle of poverty) and in Then there are the consequences (marginalization of the marginalized, the principles of the right to the city as a missing link, the combination of fear and narrative, self-reliance) that have formed around a core category called (bio-luxury and return to habit). Finally, after extracting the findings, using the GIS, the relationship between location and the incidence of injuries is discussed and the results are expressed analytically and graphically. Also, the results of the spatial analysis show that among the vulnerability components, most of Hoveyzeh's areas are exposed to security and psychological vulnerabilities.
