The Legacy of Radical Exclusion in Cities

The cities we live in today continue to be largely inaccessible, unaffordable, and restrictive, leading to the intentional and unintentional exclusion of marginalized groups. This is the result of decisions made by various entities that influence the design of cities and create a sense of either exclusion or belonging. The lack of accessibility in the built environment perpetuates inequity and marginalizes difference, such as the exclusion of people with disabilities in employment due to inaccessible workplaces. The notion of exclusion was entrenched by the “ugly laws” in the Progressive Era, where persons with disabilities were prevented from commodifying their disability and punished for begging in public. The laws also reinforced the eugenic logic of segregation through the institutionalization of disabled individuals. If we want to build inclusive and resilient cities, we must understand the historical context and beliefs that have shaped our urban landscapes. And we must address the ways in which beliefs and assumptions about personhood, citizenship, and rights have shaped and continue to shape our cities.