Rebalancing urban spaces: the right to the city and citizen participation in vulnerable neighbourhoods in Madrid

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyse the concept of the right to the city in the vulnerable areas of Madrid, starting by proposing a way of operationalising and applying it to the city. This is justified by the fact that Madrid is one of the most segregated capitals in Europe. Qualitative methodology is used to measure the inclusion-exclusion of this type of areas in relation to the rest of the urban areas. Four discursive axes have been identified as a foundation for the qualitative analysis, which serve to outline the weaknesses and strengths of this type of neighbourhood. The f inal idea is the articulation of an identity discourse that enables the appropriation of the urban to exercise the right to the city.