Abstract

MARCOS, Mariana  and  MERA, Gabriela. The Spatial Dimension of Social Differences: Statistical Tools' Methodological and Conceptual Approaches and Limitations for Addressing Intra-urban Spatial Distribution. Rev. Univ. geogr. [online]. 2011, vol.20, n.1, pp.00-00. ISSN 1852-4265.

Within the framework of those processes related to economic, social, and cultural globalization, with the emergence of new production patterns and capitalist organization, there has been a redefinition of urban structures and dynamics. In this background, social sciences face the renewed need -and the constant challenge- of rethinking the problem of spatial distribution of individuals and social groups in the urban space. This paper reviews recent theoretical contributions from critical geography and urban sociology, as well as the statistical tools available, analyzing their achievements and limitations thus approaching the different dimensions of spatiality. The conclusion is that there is a gap between conceptual developments about space and statistical tools developed to measure its dynamics and characteristics, where the process of "translating" the concepts into measurable social facts ended up by highlighting the physical nature of space, leaving aside those matters related to experience and interaction, in which differences and distances are built.

Keywords : Spatial distribution; Theoretical tools; Quantitative indicators.

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