The role of services of general interest in the promotion of spatial justice

Abstract

The concepts of social and spatial justice attempt to answer the question: how can we manage inequalities within society in a fair and equitable manner while also offering equal opportunity for all of its members? How diverse types of services are delivered to ensure justice in terms of availability, accessibility, price and even quality is a significant aspect of resolving this question. The principles of services of general interest (SGI) are based on a European model of society that strives for equality, social welfare, solidarity and cohesion. These ideas are also crucial for achieving social and spatial justice.

Based on findings of case studies of the RELOCAL H2020 research project, the study shows while local challenges related to the provision of general-interest services (e.g., the improvement of living conditions) can be managed to some extent (e.g., the improvement of living conditions), development programmes aimed at local SGI can also lead to the reproduction of social and spatial injustices, as well as hierarchical dependencies, due to procedural and distributive deficiencies. The paper argues that roles and responsibilities of players at various spatial levels, as well as their power relations, are crucial to these processes because they link agreed-upon and intended principles to their actual implementation.