Unravelling the relationship between spatial and social inclusion: evidence from Korean cities and regions

Abstract

ABSTRACT Spatial inclusion is defined as the availability of space and mobility for underprivileged people, as well as the physical closeness of different social groups. This study seeks to uncover the key components of spatial inclusion that increase social inclusion by investigating the links between spatial and social inclusion characteristics in South Korean cities and regions. A micro-dataset on personal health and social life, as well as other publicly available data, such as Census data are examined. The results suggest that increased spatial inclusion improves social inclusion of socially underprivileged people. However, the effects of each component of spatial inclusion are distinct. While housing affordability has mixed effects on different dimensions of social inclusion, an open settlement environment generally has a positive effect on social inclusion. The findings provide important implications for promoting social inclusion in cities and regions.