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.
