Joan Enric Ricart

Cities & Social Cohesion Joan Enric Ricart

Cities today are more diverse than ever before - economically, socially, culturally, ethnically and in terms of people's identities and lifestyles. Highly diversified communities can be a source of new opportunities for socio-economic development, social mobility and advanced living standards for citizens and cities around the world. However, they can also create social and economic tensions that result in increasing poverty, inequality, segregation, exclusion, social polarization, and insecurity. In fact, social cohesion and inclusion challenges are more intense and visible in cities than any other type of locality. How can cities integrate diversity and enhance social cohesion among citizens? Can urban managers develop successful policies to combat poverty, inequality and social exclusion, while promoting social mobility and economic development? Can social, economic and physical diversity in cities be a source of creativity, innovation, inclusiveness, economic development and well-being?This volume is part of a book series called "IESE Cities in Motion: International Urban Best Practices."Cities and Social Cohesion focuses on the challenge of planning and creating more inclusive urban areas and provides: - a review of the main trends and challenges of social cohesion in cities- a compilation of international best practices on urban inclusion and more equitable urban development- a resource and tool that can help city administrators and policymakers in their endeavor to develop policies, initiatives, and strategies to identify sustainable solutions to address the complex challenges of social cohesion in urban areas.