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This report examines inequality as demonstrated spatially by the agglomeration processes to complement the wider discussion of inequalities in Malaysia. It expands inequality from not just what money can buy but to concepts of well-being, associated with the different types of “freedom and functionings” (Sen, 1999) that one might have access to, based on where one is located.
Due to the complex and interconnected nature of cities, the scope of our research is based on residential settlements and place differentiation.
Residential settlements are studied because they are anchoring points through which households lead their lives. The positive housing experience i.e. jobs, education, healthcare, leisure may not be accessible to every inhabitant of the city as spatial inequalities persists.
Whereas place differentiation is studied as a means to quantify the different types of freedoms and functionings that city-inhabitants have access to. Some neighbourhoods continue to be prime areas to live in, while other neighbourhoods may be ‘stuck’ in a vicious cycle of non-investment. Place differentiation is recognised as an indicator that determines the diversity of freedoms and functionings one might enjoy. This report advocates a methodology that residents, businesses and local councils can utilise to advance collective well-being and promote thriving neighbourhoods.
