SPATIAL JUSTICE IN FRAGILE PERIPHERAL AREAS

Analysing Italian strategies and approaches to counter territorial inequalities and spatial injustice

Abstract

Spatial (in)justice is a multidisciplinary topic commonly associated with environmental and territorial justice. Considering the existence of Italy's territorial inequalities, the advent of the National Strategy for Inner Areas and the chances to reverse existing imbalances due to EU instruments, tools, and funds, this paper aims to verify how spatial justice and territorial inequalities have been addressed into the national framework and check what are the strategies and approaches to overcome the existing fragility and build a more just and equitable environment in Italy. The inner area's inhabitants are deprived of citizenship rights and suffer from the absence and distance of suitable essential services. These factors unquestionably reduce the residents' opportunities and choices and corroborate the existence of spatial injustice and socioeconomic disparities. A content analysis review details innovative strategies and approaches and explains how healthcare, mobility, and education services will overcome complex issues in fragile peripheral areas.