Social Geography and Urban Studies

Our group traces the transformation of cities and urban societies from a socio-cultural perspective: We explore urban space as an arena for the construction of social relations and divisions; we document how people navigate urban space, negotiate difference and shape possibilities; and we examine how such negotiations are patterned by socio-spatial divisions, politico-economic relations and power at multiple scales. In particular, the social and cultural geography group develops research on urban marginalization, global socio-spatial inequalities and possibilities for urban change. We incorporate different theoretical perspectives including postcolonial approaches, critical urban theories and feminist thought to explore case studies across the global North and South.