ABSTRACT
This chapter offers a discussion of the rationales and conceptual elements of RELOCAL’s approach which has sought to develop the existing state of the debate regarding place-based development and explore the ramifications of place-based thinking for addressing socio-spatial inequalities, particularly in the European case. The salience of place and spatial justice is exemplified by a need for policy alternatives which, apart from basic socio-economic well-being, promote the achievement of redistributive justice, empowerment and recognition – all of which strengthen a sense of locale and community. These arguments align with prominent criticisms of GDP as a measurement of development and the recognition that identity and highly subjective feelings of well-being and security play an important role. Here, a critical analysis is offered of the existing state of the debate regarding place-based development and socio-spatial inequalities. It also takes up various arguments that have been advanced in order to strengthen the place-based element in European Cohesion Policy and on doing so assessing the challenges involved in maintaining a strong ‘bottom-up’ component.
