Interrogating Conceptual Dimensions of Inclusive Cities

Abstract

Arising from the contestations towards understanding the dimensions of inclusivity, Mateusi et al. (Int J Educ Sci 6:263–273, 2014) mentioned that confusion arises when inclusion is taken to be a fixed state instead of a dynamic process. The dynamics is the propellant of the varying experience as it relates to understanding and conceptualizing city inclusiveness. This places emphasis on addressing needs of city inhabitants; effective representation of all residents in governance, planning and budgeting structures and processes; and finally, ensuring equal access to basic services. Assumptions and varying views are what translates into divergent configuration of a city to align to inclusive thinking that is understood by academics and professionals—which this book project, particularly this chapter, is interested to unbind. The Southern African urban space provides a unique point of entry and discussion on the inclusive city in the sense that it goes beyond the conceptualization of urban space through the lenses of urbanization—but incorporates massive restructuring of urban spaces with the intention of ameliorating negativities arising out of the colonial and apartheid governments. This in turn complicates and repositions the debate beyond the mere articulation of principles of inclusivity by providing a platform for redefining these principles in the context of local dynamics.