Publication

This paper argues that urban spatial poverty traps are evident in developing country contexts, and that these exist alongside rapid urbanisation and rising urban poverty. This may seem counter-intuitive as, by their nature, all residents in urban centres are physically much closer to markets and services, as well as productive activities. However, this paper argues that it is necessary to see beyond physical proximity and focus on the underlying dimensions of inclusion/exclusion, and on power relationships that mediate access to employment opportunities, markets and services. It argues that there are often strong spatial dimensions to these underlying factors in urban areas, but that much of this story remains unacknowledged in policy discourse because data are limited and aggregate, which distorts poverty analysis.