Now that you learned that inequality and segregation are increasing all over the world, it’s time for evidence!

In the next three videos Rūta interviews researchers from Chicago, Hong Kong and Johannesburg about their research on inequality and segregation. These interviews show that the drivers of inequality and segregation depend on local circumstances, including historical, economic and political factors, but also the physical geography of cities. The interviews also reveal that while the causes and consequences of inequality are very similar across countries, governments’ responses to the challenges are very different.

First up is Prof Janet L Smith from University of Illinois in Chicago. In this video we will discuss how Chicago from an industrial city became a global city, and how this affects patterns of inequality and segregation. You will hear which groups in society benefit the least from ongoing urban changes, and why the divide in society continues to grow. We will also talk about the role of urban planning and design. Is Chicago a city of opportunity?