Marginalization of urban space: Experience of sociological research on the example of Khabarovsk

The object of this study is the process of marginalization. The subject is the marginalization of urban space. The aim of the paper is to actualize and clarify the essence of the process of urban space marginalization, as well as to identify the features of urban space marginalization using the example of Khabarovsk. The article employs methods of scientific-theoretical analysis, generalization, and systematization of domestic and foreign research on marginalization problems, as well as empirical methods such as surveys, expert interviews, and the method of vernacular zoning. The theoretical part of the article demonstrates a multitude of different approaches to defining marginality and marginalization, on the one hand, and the lack of stable definitions of these concepts, on the other. This is primarily explained by the lack of a comprehensive approach to the study of the marginalization process. To provide a more complete definition of the process of urban space marginalization, the article applies an algorithm: causes – essence – implementation – consequences. The practical significance of studying the marginalization of urban spaces is determined by the need to control marginal areas in terms of the spread of various social deviations, as well as the need to forecast marginalization trends. Based on empirical studies of urban space (using the example of Khabarovsk), the study of public and expert opinions, and the use of the method of vernacular zoning, the overall "well-being" of different vernacular districts of the city was determined, the level of income of city residents living in these districts was assessed, the correlation between the determination of the level of "well-being" and the crime rate of the district was revealed, as well as the features of the stigmatization of urban spaces, which is an integral part of the process of marginalization.