Divided Cities? The Spatial Footprint of Social Policies

The implementation of social policies can have a marked spatial imprint under certain conditions, including non-place-based policies. The issue has not been systematically addressed in the literature, although there are important contributions in this regard. The main aim of this chapter is to articulate a straightforward, evidence-based framework with important practical implications. Based on the policy cycle, and following Rodrigues-Silveira’s (2019) approach, we analyse both theoretically and empirically the conditions under which social policy implementation will (1) follow an uneven spatial pattern, and (2) reflect existing socio-spatial inequalities; even at intraurban territorial scales. We also analyse the methodological and policy implications of this fact, and discuss the main issues in the light of the available evidence.