1. Urban Societies: Socio-spatial Mappings (refers to Unit 5) Present a concise picture of the social divisions and spatial segregation in your mega-city. What are the main social groups and divisions in the city (e.g. by religion, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, migration, etc.)? How are these groups arranged in the city? Are there clear-cut (or segregated) areas for different groups, or are they generally mixed up? Are there areas that are ‘ghettos’, according to Wacquant’s definition? Explain. Are there major gated communities? When did they emerge? In your analysis, address at least three of the points listed above. Please add one or two relevant maps (from the web, publications, etc.) in the appendix and refer to them in your answer. Remember to cite the sources of all maps and visuals. 2. Urban Societies: Poverty, Informality and Inequality (refers to Unit 6) Present a concise picture of poverty, inequality and informality in your mega-city. What percentage of the city’s residents live below the poverty line (international, national or local)? What percentage of the city’s residents live in areas that qualify as slums? Where are these slums located (e.g. central, peripheral)? When did they emerge? What are the main issues and vulnerabilities that slum-dwellers face? Be specific. What is the estimated size and makeup of the informal economy? Overall, how (un)equal is your city? How does this compare to other cities? In your analysis, address at least three of the points listed above.
