Empirical evidence of social polarisation

Some research studies state that there is little empirical evidence of ‘dual cities’ (Buck et al. 2002) Some other analyses point out concrete examples of cities showing signs of increasing occupational inequalities (Fainstein, 2001; Kräter, 2004): The clearest evidence of polarisation: Countries with weaker and less universalistic welfare state Countries which have experienced economic crisis [...]

Important role of the welfare state

‘Naturalisation’ of social polarisation

Read the definition of the key term globalisation.

Consolidation of neoliberalism

Competitive austerity

Consolidation of segmented labour market

Read the definition of the key term segmented labour markets.

Decline of industrial employment

’90 – ‘00: stability on the debates on social polarisation

In recent years there has been a continuity on the debates on social polarisation, maintaining both the optimistic and the pessimistic approach.  In this section you will find concrete information on the key elements/mechanisms that are used within the current debates on social polarisation. The topics analysed are:  1. Decline of industrial employment 2. Consolidation [...]

’70 – ’80: ‘declining middle’ in the class distribution

During this period the debate was framed in relation to the shift to Post-Fordism societies. There are several dimensions of the debate that overlap: 1. Optimistic and pessimistic interpretations of the deindustrialisation and service sector growth:     2. Perlman’s, Janice (1976): ‘The myth of marginality: Urban Poverty and Politics in Rio de Janeiro’ marks a PARADIGM [...]

’50 –’60: progressive embourgeoisement (gentrification)

Read the definition of the key term gentrification.