Mapping the maze: A methodological framework for studying inequality through diverse lenses

Modern urban development has not confined itself to just building and architecture, it embraces people's wellbeing, and promotes access to resources viz. health, education, job opportunities as important aspect of livelihood. Socialscientistsrecognize thisshift and emphasize thatsocio-economic inequality is a hinder towards holistic wellbeing of any society. Empirical models are purely quantitative in nature and fall short in addressing the complex relationship between inequality and various aspects of wellbeing. This research proposes a novel methodological framework to assess spatial inequality, blending classical quantitative methods with contemporary qualitative ones. The objectives of the framework are: i) unveiling the synergies between quantitative and qualitative data and how they complement each other for a nuanced understanding of wellbeing; ii) promoting justice by evaluating strategies and policies designed to reduce inequality and attain social justice through a normative approach. In the present research the framework is practiced across multiple levels, starting from global to national to local larger urban space. The case study-based analysis shows spatial inequality is largely impacted by structured strategies and thoughtful policy advocacy at urban space, viz. metropolitan region. Further this methodological framework empowers researchers to engage with policymakers through lived experiences. This engagement would help to emerge design interventions which tackle inequalities not just at micro level but also across the larger urban fabric. Overall, this chapter proposes a paradigm shift in urban development; urges for prioritizing wellbeing; and empowers individuals for a more just and equitable urban society.