Social exclusion and new spatial inequalities: The case of Palermo in Italy

The increase and diversification of levels and forms of poverty (absolute and relative poverty, energy poverty, educational poverty, mobility poverty) have considerably broadened the area of vulnerability of a considerable segment of European citizens in the last decade, especially in the most economically disadvantaged regions. This phenomenon has not only generated marginalisation and social exclusion, but has had significant repercussions on the spatial configuration of cities, with inadequate responses from institutional policies. In the urban contexts of Southern Europe, in particular, critical issues manifest themselves through housing deprivation, difficulties in accessing public services, mobility poverty and structural weakness of urban policies. This paper aims to address new forms of poverty, marginalisation and social exclusion in Southern European cities, focusing on the examination of new socio-spatial inequalities. A central question is: what are the new spatial boundaries of socio-economic inequalities in Southern European cities? This implies the need to recognise and map these inequalities, not only to understand their extent, but also to inform more effective urban policies. The chosen case study is the city of Palermo, Italy, which will provide a detailed analysis of local dynamics. The paper proposes to use new socio-spatial indicators, both quantitative and qualitative, and innovative interpretative tools, such as digital and social co-production tools, to recognise and map these new spatial geographies. Expected outcomes include the creation of new analytical-interpretive frameworks, through the conceptualisation and mapping of emerging socio-spatial inequalities. This will provide a crucial foundation for the development of more targeted urban policies sensitive to the specific socio-economic challenges of Southern European cities. The multidisciplinary approach and the use of innovative tools will provide a deeper understanding of local dynamics, facilitating the implementation of tailormade solutions that can improve the quality of life and promote social inclusion in these urban communities.