Urban Economics and Planning

Urban Economics and Planning

Explanation of Spatial Justice Model in Service Distribution with a Poverty Reduction Approach in District 8, Shiraz

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Samira Abbasi 1
Zahra Sadat Saeideh Zarabadi 2
Hamid Majedi 3
1 Ph.D Candidate in Urban Planning, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 Professor, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/uep.2025.505749.1597
Abstract
Introduction 
Justice has always been regarded as one of the fundamental principles of human societies and has been widely studied in various scientific, social, and economic domains. In contemporary urban environments, spatial justice has emerged as a key concept in urban planning, playing a vital role in reducing social inequalities and improving the quality of urban life. One of the significant challenges in many developing cities is the unequal distribution of urban services and resources, which leads to spatial and social disparities. The rapid expansion of urbanization, large-scale migration, and the centralization of services in specific urban areas have exacerbated inequalities in service accessibility, leaving marginalized communities at a disadvantage. Limited access to urban services, unemployment, poverty, and a lack of equal economic opportunities are among the critical factors that intensify the sense of inequality among citizens. In response to these challenges, spatial justice aims to ensure the fair distribution of resources and services, contributing to the development of sustainable and equitable cities. As one of Iran’s major metropolitan areas, Shiraz has a rich cultural and historical heritage. However, despite its significance, certain districts, particularly District 8, suffer from an imbalanced distribution of urban services, resulting in significant disparities in access to urban facilities. With unique geographical and socio-economic characteristics, this district faces numerous challenges in urban service distribution, necessitating a thorough investigation and strategic urban planning. The primary objective of this study is to analyze spatial justice in the distribution of urban services in District 8 of Shiraz. The research examines the extent of citizens’ access to urban services, identifies existing inequalities, and evaluates key factors influencing poverty reduction and equal opportunities. The findings of this study are expected to support urban policymakers in designing effective strategies to enhance spatial justice and mitigate social inequalities.
Materials and Methods
This study adopts a quantitative approach and follows deductive reasoning (from general to specific) to explore causal relationships in urban service distribution and its effects on poverty reduction. The target population of this study consists of residents living in District 8 of Shiraz, and a stratified random sampling method was applied. The Cochran formula was used to determine the sample size, which was set at 375 respondents. Data collection involved both secondary and primary research methods. The conceptual framework was established through a literature review, while primary data was obtained using a researcher-designed questionnaire. This questionnaire comprised 79 closed-ended questions, structured on a five-point Likert scale. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by expert review, and its reliability was verified through statistical tests. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were applied to data analysis. Furthermore, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed using Smart-PLS software to examine the relationships among spatial justice, quality of life, perceived poverty, and other key variables. This modeling approach enabled an accurate assessment of the interactions between these critical factors.
Findings
The study’s results revealed three significant causal pathways illustrating the impact of various socioeconomic factors on spatial justice and perceived poverty: The impact of employment and economy on spatial justice and perceived poverty: Employment status and economic conditions directly influence spatial justice. Improved employment and economic conditions enhance citizens’ satisfaction with urban service distribution, ultimately reducing the perception of poverty. The relationship between employment, healthcare, and spatial justice: Employment status influences access to and quality of healthcare services. Improved healthcare services contribute to better spatial justice, which enhances quality of life and reduces perceived poverty. The impact of housing on spatial justice and urban poverty: Housing conditions are a crucial indicator of spatial justice. Better access to adequate housing improves quality of life and citizen satisfaction, reducing the perception of poverty. All three causal pathways were statistically validated through t-value testing, with a significance level below 0.01. These findings highlight strong interconnections between economic conditions, social factors, and perceived poverty in District 8 of Shiraz.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate that spatial justice plays a crucial role in reducing urban inequalities. The analysis of the collected data suggests that the absence of spatial justice in marginalized urban areas leads to a heightened sense of social discrimination and increased socioeconomic disparities. The unequal distribution of urban services limits access to essential resources and negatively impacts economic and social opportunities for affected communities. Furthermore, the study emphasizes that employment, housing, and healthcare investment can significantly alleviate poverty. Providing stable housing options and supporting low-income households in accessing suitable accommodation can help mitigate perceived poverty. Expanding sustainable employment opportunities and improving healthcare accessibility are key measures for enhancing spatial justice. To address these issues, developing urban infrastructure and implementing strategic policies to ensure fair service distribution can enhance spatial justice and improve the overall quality of life. The results highlight that enhancing employment, healthcare, and housing conditions directly reduces perceived poverty and promotes spatial justice in District 8 of Shiraz. Sustained employment and economic stability improve the overall quality of life and increase access to urban services and public amenities. Improved healthcare and housing provisions reduce spatial disparities and foster a more equitable urban environment. Based on these findings, urban policymakers are encouraged to implement key strategies, including: Creating sustainable employment opportunities, enhancing healthcare service quality and accessibility, and providing affordable housing for low-income residents. Implementing targeted policies in these areas is essential for poverty reduction and spatial justice enhancement. Additionally, a comprehensive and coordinated urban development strategy, with a strong emphasis on spatial justice, is critical. Improving urban service distribution models, expanding public infrastructure, and reinforcing social support policies are essential steps toward reducing socio-spatial inequalities and enhancing citizen satisfaction. Ultimately, this research underscores that achieving spatial justice is not only key to reducing poverty and enhancing quality of life but also plays a fundamental role in sustainable urban development. Therefore, it is imperative that spatial justice be integrated as a core pillar of urban policy planning to ensure that cities evolve into fairer, more efficient, and more sustainable environments for all inhabitants.
Keywords
Historic Fabric of Shiraz
Quality of Life
Service Distribution
Spatial Justice
Urban Poverty

Subjects

Abbasi, Z. S. S., Zarabadi, H., & Majedi, H. (2023). Distributing urban services and feeling of poverty: An analysis of the relationship between urban quality of life and poverty. International Journal of Architectural Engineering & Urban Planning, 33(3), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.22068/ijaup.666
Abdi, A., Rahmani, B., & Taj, S. (2020). Analyzing the spatial inequalities of urban services distribution from the spatial justice perspective (a case study of Qarchak City). Geographical Journal of Tourism Space, 9(33), 69-88. Retrieved from https://sid.ir/paper/214329/en [In Persian].
Ahmadi, M., & Shamsipour, A. A. (2020). Analysis of spatial distribution of public services in terms of spatial justice approach (Case study: Bojnourd). Geographical Urban Planning Research (GUPR), 8(1), 73-98. https://doi.org/10.22059/jurbangeo.2020.273616.1041 [In Persian].
Ali Akbari, E., Marsousi, N., Divosalar, A., & Kamari, M. (2022). Spatial analysis of balanced urban development pattern with an approach to spatial justice (Case study: Amol city). Environmental Science and Technology, 24(1), 277–289. https://sid.ir/paper/1065978/fa [In Persian].
Ali Akbari, E., Morsousi, N., Divsalar, A., & Kamari, M. (2022). Spatial analysis of balanced urban development patterns with a spatial justice approach: A case study of Amol City. Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Environmental Harmony, 5(1), 17. https://doi.org/10.29252/jsaeh.5.1.17 [In Persian].
Amanpour, S., & Fadaei Jazi, F. (2023). Measuring social justice in the spatial structure of Bandar Dair (Dair Port) with an emphasis on service uses. Spatial Planning, 13(2), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.22108/sppl.2023.136837.1704 [In Persian].
Ambey, K. S. (2017). Segregated data of urban poor for inclusive urban planning in India: Needs and challenges. Journal of Urban Planning, 7(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440166893
Annamoradnejad, R., Soleymani, M., & Mohammadyari, B. (2022). The spatial analysis of urban poverty in the city of Bijar. Social Development & Welfare Planning, 13(50), 123-152. https://doi.org/10.22054/qjsd.2021.57732.2097 [In Persian].
Ay, D., & Sezer, C. (2020). Spatial justice in urban studies and planning education. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. RWTH Aachen University. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339212933
Azari, Z., Mohamadzade, P., & Behboudi, D. (2023). Content analysis of the development plans of the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizing poverty and social exclusion. Program and Development Research, 3(4), 8-49. https://doi.org/10.22034/pbr.2023.354764.1254 [In Persian].
Azizi, M., Movahed, A., Sasanpoor, F., & Kordeh, N. (2014). Analysis of urban poverty (Case study: the city of Mahabad). Scientific-Research Quarterly of Geographical Data (SEPEHR), 23, 60-69. https://doi.org/20.1001.1.25883860.1393.23.901.8.4 [In Persian].
Beyazit, E. (2020). Sosyal politika, yoksulluk ve kent yoksullugu. OPUS International Journal of Society Researches, 16(30), 2966-2993. https://doi.org/10.26466/opus.708198
Certoma, C., & Martellozzo, F. (2019). Cultivating urban justice? A spatial exploration of urban gardening crossing spatial and environmental injustice conditions. Applied Geography, 106, 60-70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2019.03.007
Dadashpoor, H. (2016). Spatial justice in urban scale in Iran; Meta-study of selected articles’ theoretical framework. Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning, 21(3), 67-80. https://doi.org/10.22059/jfaup.2016.61103 [In Persian].
Dadashpoor, H., & Shojaee, D. (2022). Application of the critical paradigm in understanding spatial injustice around the metropolis of Tehran. Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning, 27(1), 19-33. https://doi.org/10.22059/jfaup.2022.334565.672720 [In Persian].
Dadashpoor, H., Rostami, F., & Alizadeh, B. (2016). Is inequality in the distribution of urban facilities inequitable? Exploring a method for identifying spatial inequity in an Iranian city. Cities, 52, 159-172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2015.12.007
Dadashpoor, H., Rostmi, F., & Alizadeh, B. (2014). Analysis of justice distribution of urban services and their spatial distribution pattern in Hamadan City. Motaleate Shahri, 3(12), 5-18. Retrieved from https://urbstudies.uok.ac.ir/article_10944.html [In Persian].
Deputy of Planning and Human Capital Development, Shiraz Municipality. (2017). Case study: Neighborhood planning of Shiraz city. Shiraz Municipality. https://moba.shiraz.ir/ImageGallery/FCKUploadedImages/file/[In Persian].
Dove, L. (2004). Providing environmental urban services to the poor in Andhra Pradesh: Developing strategic decision-making. Environment and Urbanization, 16(1), 95-106. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956247804016001
Elewa, A. (2019). Unlocking the potentials of urban architecture in enhancing the quality of urban life in urban poverty areas through community projects. Environmental Science & Sustainable Development, 4(2), 121-135. https://doi.org/10.21625/essd.v4i2.561
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. (n.d.). Urban planning with superblocks: Barcelona, Spain. Retrieved from https://www.ebrdgreencities.com/policy-tool/urban-planning-with-superblocks-barcelona-spain-2/
European Investment Bank. (2017). City, transformed: Vienna. Retrieved from https://www.eib.org/attachments/country/city_transformed_vienna_en.pdf
Fainstein, S. (2009). Spatial justice and planning. Justice Spatiale/Spatial Justice, 1, 1-13. Retrieved from https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/5696430/mod_resource/content/1/Fainstein_2009.pdf
Fainstein, S. (2014). Cities and diversity: Should we want it? Can we plan for it? Urban Affairs Review, 41(1), 3-19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078087405278968
Farhadikhah, H., Hataminejad, H., Shahi, A., & Zafari, M. (2018). Spatial analysis of urban poverty in neighborhood levels (case study: Mashhad city). Urban Economics, 2(2), 17-36. https://doi.org/10.22108/ue.2018.108525.1049 [In Persian].
Isazade, E., Prizadi, T., & Isazade, V. (2022). Empowerment of urban poor neighborhoods (Case study: Ismail Abad neighborhood, District 19 of Tehran Municipality). Journal of Geography and Planning, 26(81), 171-151. https://doi.org/10.22034/gp.2022.48146.2896 [In Persian].
Jafari, S., Momeni, F., Shakeri, A., & Raghfar, H. (2022). Multidimensional poverty in urban and rural areas of Iran assessed as an indicator of fair development. The Journal of Economic Policy, 13(26), 315-337. https://doi.org/10.22034/epj.2022.17733.2283 [In Persian].
Jian, I. Y., Chan, E. H., Xu, Y., & Owusu, E. K. (2021). Inclusive public open space for all: Spatial justice with health considerations. Habitat International, 118, 102457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2021.102457
Johansen, P. H., Fisker, J. K., & Thuesen, A. A. (2021). ‘We live in nature all the time’: Spatial justice, outdoor recreation, and the refrains of rural rhythm. Geoforum, 120, 132-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2021.01.025
Jones, R., Goodwin‐Hawkins, B., & Woods, M. (2020). From territorial cohesion to regional spatial justice: The well‐being of future generations act in Wales. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 44(5), 894-912. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2427.12909
Karkhaneh, F., & Norouzi, F. (2021). Social inequality in the economic, social, cultural, health, and medical fields of the western provinces of the country (Kermanshah, Kurdistan, and Ilam): A qualitative study. JHPM, 10(2), 10-20. Retrieved from http://jhpm.ir/article-1-1308-fa.html [In Persian].
Khaksari, A., Masoumifar, A. H., & Assayesh, M. (2021). Analysis of spatial justice in urban services provision in Iran. Human Geography Research, 53(3), 793-810. https://doi.org/10.22059/jhgr.2020.296238.1008074 [In Persian].
La Rosa, D., & Pappalardo, V. (2020). Planning for spatial equity: A performance-based approach for sustainable urban drainage systems. Sustainable Cities and Society, 53, 101885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2019.101885
Momeni Esfahani, S., & Malek Hosseini, A. (2021). Analysis and evaluation of the impact of smart growth indicators on urban development in Arak. Civilica. Retrieved from https://civilica.com/doc/1195101 [In Persian].
Movahed, A., Ahar, H., Manouchehri, A., Gheysari, H., & Bozorgzadeh, A. (2022). Sustainability analysis of urban neighborhoods with emphasis on spatial and social justice: Case study of Maragheh City. JGS, 22(65), 345-365. https://doi.org/10.52547/jgs.22.65.345 [In Persian].
Muyeba, S. (2019). Institutional capital, urban poverty, and household wealth in Cape Town. World Development Perspectives, 16(123), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wdp.2019.100139
Namdar Ardakani, M. J., Shokour, A., & Khorram Bakht, A. (2022). City and spatial justice; Analysis of the distribution of sustainable development indicators in urban spatial justice: A case study of Shiraz city districts. Geography and Environmental Studies, 11(43), 142–160. https://sid.ir/paper/1034824/fa  [In Persian].
Nasiri Hendeh Khaleh, E. (2018). Spatial inequalities in the distribution of urban services with spatial justice approach using VIKOR model. Geographical Planning of Space, 8(28), 133-154. Retrieved from https://gps.gu.ac.ir/article_70704.html?lang=fa [In Persian].
Niazi, M., G., M., & Na, F. (2017). Social factors affecting life satisfaction: Case study of citizens of Kashan City in 2015. Social Development & Welfare Planning, 8(31), 203-229. https://doi.org/10.22054/qjsd.2017.8253 [In Persian].
Nikpour, A., Rezazadeh, M., & Allahgholitabar Nesheli, F. (2020). Analysis of spatial pattern of indicators of urban poverty in Babol city. Journal of Geography and Planning, 24(71), 391-418. https://doi.org/10.22034/gp.2020.10545 [In Persian].
Nikpour, A., Soleymani, M., & Mohammadyari, B. (2022). Zoning and spatial analysis of urban poverty: The case study of Hamadan City. Sustainable City, 5(3), 105-124. https://doi.org/10.22034/jsc.2021.240978.1281 [In Persian].
Niu, T., Chen, Y., & Yuan, Y. (2020). Measuring urban poverty using multi-source data and a random forest algorithm: A case study in Guangzhou. Sustainable Cities and Society, 54, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2020.102014
Nordberg, K. (2020). Spatial justice and local capability in rural areas. Journal of Rural Studies, 78, 47-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2020.06.008
Norouzi, F., Salehi, E., & Khasteh, M. (2019). Meta-analysis of studies conducted in the field of spatial justice. Geography and Urban-Regional Planning, 9(33), 83–104. https://sid.ir/paper/524390/fa [In Persian].
Pardaraz Consulting Engineers. (2013). Detailed plan revision of Shiraz city. Deputy of Urban Planning and Architecture, District 8 Municipality of Shiraz. https://noandishaan.com/product/طرح-تفصیلی-شیراز/[In Persian].
Parizadi, T., Hoseini, S. F., & Behboudi Moghaddam, H. (2016). Analysis of spatial inequalities in the distribution of urban services from the perspective of spatial justice (Case study: Marivan city). Geographical Space Planning, 6(21), 91–102. https://sid.ir/paper/519344/fa [In Persian].
Pourahmad, A., Zanganeh Sgahraki, S., & Saberi, A. (2023). Analysis of spatial justice in access to urban services: Case study of Yasouj city. Geography and Development, 21(71), 1-32. https://doi.org/10.22111/gdij.2023.7588 [In Persian].
Rabiee, H., & Kafai, S. M. (2022). Multidimensional poverty in Iranian urban areas from 2004 to 2019: Application of weights resulting from multiple correspondence analysis by the Alkire-Foster method. The Journal of Economic Policy, 13(26), 339-368. https://doi.org/10.22034/epj.2022.17772.2285 [In Persian].
Rajabi, S., Valizade, R., Satarzadeh, D., Panahi, A., & Mahboubi, G. (2022). Spatial distribution analysis of urban public services from the perspective of social justice in the spatial structure of Tabriz metropolis. Journal of Geography and Planning, 25(78), 159-177. https://doi.org/10.22034/gp.2021.43357.2752 [In Persian]. 
Rashidi, H. (2015). Urban poverty and marginalization: A theoretical review. International Conference on Humanities, Psychology, and Social Sciences, Tehran. Retrieved from https://civilica.com/doc/436318 [In Persian].
Rezayi, M., Panahi, A., & Valizadeh, R. (2023). An analysis of urban poverty and factors affecting its spatial organization and expansion in Tabriz. Geography and Urban Space Development, 10(2), 39-55. https://doi.org/10.22067/jgusd.2022.70545.1049 [In Persian]. 
Rostaei, S., & Alizadeh, S. (2020). Measurement of spatial equity in public services between different cities of West Azerbaijan Province. Journal of Geography and Planning, 24(71), 151-171. https://doi.org/10.22034/gp.2020.10535 [In Persian].
Saberi, A., Pourahmad, A., & Zanganeh Shahraki, S. (2024). Analyzing the distribution of urban services and identifying drivers affecting spatial justice with a future study approach: Case study of Yasouj city. Journal of Geography and Planning, 28(88), 191-164. https://doi.org/10.22034/gp.2023.54478.3068 [In Persian].
Sasanpour, F., & Abbasi, M. M. (2023). Spatial justice analysis of service uses in urban areas with the ORESTE technique: Case study of the eight districts of Qom City. Town and Country Planning, 15(2), 261-274. https://doi.org/10.22059/jtcp.2023.363500.670401 [In Persian].
Shi, Q., & Dorling, D. (2020). Growing socio-spatial inequality in neo-liberal times? Comparing Beijing and London. Applied Geography, 115, 102139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2019.102139
Shiraz Municipality. (2011). Statistical yearbook of Shiraz city. Office of Planning and Budget, Shiraz Municipality.https://shiraz.ir/Modules/ShowFramework.aspx?FrameworkPageType=SEC&RelFacilityId=1115&TabID=247[In Persian].
Shiraz Municipality. (2016). Statistical yearbook of Shiraz city. Office of Planning and Budget, Shiraz Municipality.  https://shiraz.ir/Modules/ShowFramework.aspx?FrameworkPageType=SEC&RelFacilityId=1115&TabID=247[In Persian].
Silva-Laya, M., D’Angelo, N., García, E., Zúñiga, L., & Fernández, T. (2020). Urban poverty and education: A systematic literature review. Educational Research Review, 29, 100280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2019.05.002
Singh, K. D. (2017). Inclusive growth and poverty reduction: A case study of India. Indian Journal of Public Administration, 63(4), 579-594. https://doi.org/10.1177/0019556117726822
Soleimani Moghadam, H., Zandi, R., & Akbari, E. (2021). Spatial zoning and spatial analysis of urban poverty using spatial analysis: Case study of Mashhad city. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 21(60), 239-258. https://doi.org/10.52547/jgs.21.60.239 [In Persian].
Sorensen, E., & Torfing, J. (2018). The Copenhagen Metropolitan “Finger Plan”: A robust urban planning success based on collaborative governance. In S. S. Fainstein & J. DeFilippis (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Urban Planning. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198843719.003.0012
Sridhar, K. S. (2015). Is urban poverty more challenging than rural poverty? A review. Environment and Urbanization ASIA, 6(2), 95-108. https://doi.org/10.1177/0975425315589159
Wang, K., Zhang, L., Cai, M., Liu, L., Wu, H., & Peng, Z. (2023). Measuring urban poverty spatially by remote sensing and social sensing data: A fine-scale empirical study from Zhengzhou. Remote Sensing, 15(2), 381. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15020381
Yasouri, M., & Emami, S. F. (2018). Measuring the poverty status in rural areas: Case study of Saravan district, Rasht. Journal of Applied Geographical Sciences, 18(48), 95-114. Retrieved from https://www.sid.ir/fa/JOURNAL/SearchPaper.aspx?journal=&subject=5&writer=207205&year=&PDF=Y&Filter= [In Persian].
Zand Moghadam, M. R., Almasi Mofidi, H., & Ziviyar, P. (2021). Spatial distribution of satisfaction with access to urban services in intermediate cities: Case study of Boumehen City. Retrieved from https://civilica.com/doc/1354515 [In Persian].
Urban Economics and Planning
Volume 6, Issue 1
Winter 2025
Pages 190-207

  • Receive Date 10 February 2025
  • Revise Date 18 April 2025
  • Accept Date 19 April 2025