Spatial Justice in Outdoor Public Sports Spaces of Marginalized Urban Neighborhoods: Elderly Women’s Lived Experiences of Urban Space Quality and Livability

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract

Inequities in access, quality, and surrounding conditions of open-air sports spaces in disadvantaged neighborhoods reduce older women’s participation in physical activity. These inequities also erode perceived safety, sense of belonging, and overall health. Many policies prioritize the number of facilities while overlooking perceptual, cultural, and gendered needs. This study examined spatial justice in open public sports spaces through older women lived experiences of quality and livability. A qualitative design with a descriptive phenomenological approach was used. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 24 older women residing in underserved neighborhoods of Mazandaran Province, Iran. Analysis identified 96 subthemes clustered into eleven domains: accessibility and spatial justice; environmental quality and landscape; spatial form; local identity and culture; urban governance; safety and security; psychological and affective responses; economy and social justice; health and rehabilitation; social interactions; and sustainability and urban resilience. Findings show that spatial justice in urban sport cannot be achieved by facility counts alone. It requires attention to design quality, perceived safety, cultural fit, meaningful participation, and justice-oriented policy. The study underscores the need to redesign open public sports spaces and to strengthen participatory processes that link spatial justice with social justice. Such an approach can improve physical and mental health, enhance belonging, and advance neighborhood livability in marginalized urban areas.

Highlights

  • Shorter distance and fair access cost facilitate seniors’ use.
  • Environmental quality and landscape enhance comfort and length of stay.
  • Local identity and planning with older women strengthen belonging and safety.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 03 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 28 March 2025
  • Accept Date: 21 April 2025
  • First Publish Date: 19 June 2025
  • Publish Date: 19 June 2025

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