Social space of Moscow: peculiarities and patterns

The article presents results of the research project aimed to explore intra-urban differences in Moscow. The concept of “social space” – a dual reality, which is derived from both social relations and territorial characteristics, was employed as a theoretical background of the research. Various quantitative parameters for each of 125 Moscow municipal districts were used. They include data of Census-2010, current socio-economic and demographic statistics, migration data, results of recent electoral campaigns, real estate indicators and local survey data. The indexes of ethnic diversity, demographic shifts, urban environment diversification, people feelings, and place reputation were calculated. A few classifications of Moscow districts are proposed. Maps showing different dimensions of the social space of Moscow are presented. The comparative analysis of the constructed images reveals an increasing fragmentation and polarization of Moscow social space: the cleavages became more apparent, the socio-spatial gradients have risen. The inequality strengthening led to a tangible division in the level of amenities by municipal districts, to the improvement of urban environment and increase in benefits in some areas, and stagnation in another. The authors conclude that politics targeted at improving the connectivity of the urban spaces and the social milieus, as well at adjusting diversity of urban environment with diversity of urban population, is required to reduce a risk of segregation. This kind of politics and activities is most in demand in the areas where the growth of ethnic and cultural diversity of local residents takes place in the context of development deficiency, relative isolation, and social exclusion.