Sometimes, physical borders are constructed in a violent way. They are imposed on space, due to political, economic or other reason. They are spatial symbols of power. They split social and economic networks, by controlling flows and movements. Social inequalities become visible and, possibly, grow because of the existence of physical border. Apart from loss of communication, borders mean exclusion and loss of access for some groups to new opportunities, e.g. exclusion from goods, labour, services and land. Inequalities create formal and informal flows that cross borders and develop new networks of exchange (migration, investments, trade, etc).
In this framework borders divide and connect at the same time. Borders exist for some groups of people and do not exist for others. They divide space in “here” and “there”, “inside” and “outside”. This also means social division between “us” and “others”. Fear is created, but also curiosity about “others”. Division of space is further established by daily practices, but also new ways of border-crossing are invented by the desire of communication.
Could the development of intermediate (public?) spaces of meeting, spaces of inclusion and exchange, spaces of participation, make the distinction between “us” and “others” less effective and reduce social divisions of space?
In this framework borders divide and connect at the same time. Borders exist for some groups of people and do not exist for others. They divide space in “here” and “there”, “inside” and “outside”. This also means social division between “us” and “others”. Fear is created, but also curiosity about “others”. Division of space is further established by daily practices, but also new ways of border-crossing are invented by the desire of communication.
Could the development of intermediate (public?) spaces of meeting, spaces of inclusion and exchange, spaces of participation, make the distinction between “us” and “others” less effective and reduce social divisions of space?
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