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The Blind Spot Effect: Structural Exclusion at the Edge of Prosperity in a Global Context

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The Blind Spot Effect is introduced as a new socio-spatial concept describing communities that are visible yet excluded—places physically adjacent to hubs of prosperity but structurally barred from sharing in that wealth. Unlike remote “left-behind” areas, these inner peripheries sit in the shadow of economic success (such as booming city districts, tech corridors or national infrastructure) while enduring persistent deprivation. Drawing on comparative case studies from the UK, USA, France, Argentina, India and South Africa, the article shows how administrative boundaries, flawed metrics and stigmatizing narratives create pockets of exclusion at the edge of prosperity and proposes policy reforms to correct this blind spot.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15758766

Author: Smith, Sonny

Language: English

Topic: Urban Planning and Governance

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, No poverty, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W6912060595

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