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This book presents 101 inequalities categorized across three tiers, each illustrating how disparities manifest and persist. The first tier focuses on contextual factors, exploring inequalities in economic, political, and societal dimensions. The second tier examines baselines, analyzing inequalities related to timing/season (e.g., inequality of opportunity and natural environment), space/location (e.g., geographical location and external environment), and human condition (e.g., age, gender, and ethnicity). The third tier investigates the tangibles materials and resources, assessed through four key categories: availability, awareness, accessibility, and utility. By examining these through global case studies, authors not only validate the systemic and non-systemic inequalities of our contemporary society but also propose pathways toward truly just, inclusive, and people-centric sustainable development.
Authors hope this book sparks transformative thinking and action against the entrenched inequalities shaping our world. While authors may have drifted away from the vision of just and inclusive societies, the authors must find their way back toward a future where equity is not a privilege, but a fundamental right. More than just an academic discourse, this book is a call to action, particularly for the next generation those who seek to dismantle systemic inequalities and build sustainable futures for the many, rather than just the privileged few or the bliss of the affluent minority.
List of contents
The COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis and Growing Inequalities and Disparities in a not-so-inclusive contemporary society.- 50 Inequalities under 5 Inequality Categories.- Economic Inequality.- Political Inequality.- Gender Inequality.- Inequality of Access.- Inequality of Opportunity.- 50 Disparities under 5 Disparity categories.- Economic Stability.- Physical Environment.- Istitutional Systems.- Food.- Community Safety and Social Context.- Learning from the current inequalities and disparities for future sustainable development pathways: A brief reflection.
About the author
Ali CHESHMEHZANGI is a Professor and Head of the School of Architecture, Design and Planning (ADP) at The University of Queensland. He is the Brisbane Olympics Committee member for Games Legacy and Growth Sub-Committee as well as the Expert member of the 2032 Games led by UQ. He has been in the World’s top 2 percent field leader since 2022, recognised by Stanford University. He is among the top 25 global scholars in the urban sustainability research area.
Ali has a wealth of experience, expertise, and a strong commitment to innovation and excellence in the fields of architecture, design, and planning, the three core disciplines of his School at UQ. With a career spanning over two decades, he has made significant contributions to the academic and professional communities, with a focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious design. Prior to joining UQ, Ali held several strategic leadership and senior managerial roles, such as Vice-President for International Engagement and Global Partnership, Founding Director and Head of the Center for Innovation in Education and Research, Head of the Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Founding Director of the Urban Innovation Lab, Director of a university-wide Teaching and Learning platform, Director of International Research Network for Rural and Urban Development, Founder and Head of Research Group for Sustainable Built Environment, co-director of university-wide research priority areas, Director of Center for Sustainable Energy Technologies, and Interim Director of Digital Design Lab. So far, Ali has published over 500 journal papers, articles, conference papers, book chapters, and reports. This is his 50th academic book, alongside his many poetry collections that he has written in Parsi/Persian and English. Some of his previous academic books have received awards at the national, provincial, and municipal levels. He also has received international awards and recognition for his research on urban resilience studies and sustainability research, as well as a 2018 Vice-Chancellor’s award for his impactful contribution to higher education.
Summary
This book presents 101 inequalities categorized across three tiers, each illustrating how disparities manifest and persist. The first tier focuses on contextual factors, exploring inequalities in economic, political, and societal dimensions. The second tier examines baselines, analyzing inequalities related to timing/season (e.g., inequality of opportunity and natural environment), space/location (e.g., geographical location and external environment), and human condition (e.g., age, gender, and ethnicity). The third tier investigates the tangibles—materials and resources, assessed through four key categories: availability, awareness, accessibility, and utility. By examining these through global case studies, authors not only validate the systemic and non-systemic inequalities of our contemporary society but also propose pathways toward truly just, inclusive, and people-centric sustainable development.
Authors hope this book sparks transformative thinking and action against the entrenched inequalities shaping our world. While authors may have drifted away from the vision of just and inclusive societies, the authors must find their way back—toward a future where equity is not a privilege, but a fundamental right. More than just an academic discourse, this book is a call to action, particularly for the next generation—those who seek to dismantle systemic inequalities and build sustainable futures for the many, rather than just the privileged few or the bliss of the affluent minority.
