An urban geography of dignity

Abstract

This paper uses the phenomenon of dignity as a lens through which to explore the relationship between cities and the health of people living in them. We describe a "taxonomy of dignity," developed using grounded theory, that explicates the social processes and contexts of dignity violation and dignity promotion. We then explore two intersections at which the urban setting and the dignity experience meet: the quest for resources and places and spaces. Finally, we posit that social and spatial processes of dignity violation and promotion constitute mechanisms through which the city affects mental and physical health.