The unequal distribution of services, resources, infrastructure, and environmental risk exposure across geographic regions is referred to as spatial inequality, or "Dili" inequality in philosophy. Three interconnected components—geographic location, the surrounding environment, and physical infrastructure—are how these differences show up. The ability of individuals to access public services, healthcare, education, and work is greatly influenced by each of these spatial elements. These inequalities were particularly pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, since spatial disadvantage was strongly linked to increased exposure, higher death, and decreased resilience. This chapter examines the ways in which pandemic dynamics and geographical inequality intertwined in various international contexts. We define spatial inequality as a baseline (second tier) force that mediates contextual inequalities and converts them into concrete results using the Three Tiers of Inequality (3TI) theory. Ten case studies from nations like Germany, Italy, the US, New Zealand, South Africa, Portugal, England, and France show how environmental injustice, infrastructure inequalities, and urban–rural divisions influenced people's capacity to receive treatment, defend themselves, and preserve livelihoods. Spatial placement had a significant impact on how people and communities dealt with the pandemic in each instance. This chapter emphasizes the critical need for more inclusive and equitable urban and regional planning by looking at a variety of experiences through a spatial lens. The pandemic has demonstrated that spatial inequality is a fundamental axis of vulnerability that necessitates structural change rather than being a secondary issue.

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Geographies of Exposure: Spatial Inequality, Pandemic Divide, and the Uneven Burden of Crisis

  • Ali Cheshmehzangi,
  • Tong Zou

摘要

The unequal distribution of services, resources, infrastructure, and environmental risk exposure across geographic regions is referred to as spatial inequality, or "Dili" inequality in philosophy. Three interconnected components—geographic location, the surrounding environment, and physical infrastructure—are how these differences show up. The ability of individuals to access public services, healthcare, education, and work is greatly influenced by each of these spatial elements. These inequalities were particularly pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, since spatial disadvantage was strongly linked to increased exposure, higher death, and decreased resilience. This chapter examines the ways in which pandemic dynamics and geographical inequality intertwined in various international contexts. We define spatial inequality as a baseline (second tier) force that mediates contextual inequalities and converts them into concrete results using the Three Tiers of Inequality (3TI) theory. Ten case studies from nations like Germany, Italy, the US, New Zealand, South Africa, Portugal, England, and France show how environmental injustice, infrastructure inequalities, and urban–rural divisions influenced people's capacity to receive treatment, defend themselves, and preserve livelihoods. Spatial placement had a significant impact on how people and communities dealt with the pandemic in each instance. This chapter emphasizes the critical need for more inclusive and equitable urban and regional planning by looking at a variety of experiences through a spatial lens. The pandemic has demonstrated that spatial inequality is a fundamental axis of vulnerability that necessitates structural change rather than being a secondary issue.