Geography and Human Relationships

Geography and Human Relationships

An Analysis of Spatial Justice in the Distribution of Urban Services from the Perspective of Citizen Rights in Qom City

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Master of Public Administration (MPA), Toloo-e Mehr University, Qom, Iran
2 Graduate of a Master’s Degree in Public Law, Islamic Azad University, Arak Branch, Markazi Province, Iran
10.22034/gahr.2026.584774.2764
Abstract
Spatial justice is a key concept in urban studies and an essential requirement for realizing citizenship rights. Unequal distribution of urban services can lead to disparities in citizens’ access to facilities and opportunities. This study analyzes spatial justice in the distribution of urban services with an emphasis on citizenship rights in the city of Qom. The research is applied in purpose and descriptive–analytical in method. Data were collected from the Qom Municipality statistical yearbook and official reports. Five categories of urban services were examined, including urban green space, economic and supply services, fire and emergency services, waste management, and cemetery services.



Service per capita indicators were calculated for the eight municipal districts, and spatial inequality was assessed using the coefficient of variation (CV). The results indicate considerable inequality in the distribution of urban green space (CV = 62.3%) and economic and supply services (CV = 75.5%). Fire station services also show relatively high inequality (CV = 43.7%). The findings reveal that districts 4 and 8 generally enjoy higher levels of service provision, while more populated districts, particularly district 6, face lower access to services. Due to data limitations, spatial justice in waste management and cemetery services could not be fully measured and was only described statistically.



Overall, the results show that the distribution of urban services in Qom does not fully align with spatial justice principles. More balanced resource allocation and need-based spatial planning are necessary to reduce inequalities and improve equitable access to urban services and citizenship rights.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 July 2026

  • Receive Date 03 June 2026
  • Revise Date 16 June 2026
  • Accept Date 13 July 2026