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2024 Specialty – Sociology, Economy and Politics / Daniel Sorando

Sanchinarro Neighborhood – Research  by students Akins, Cruz, Denisova, Ucha

Specialty Leader – Daniel Sorando

 

The Sociology, Economics, and Politics specialty aims to provide students with a comprehensive perspective on the issue of collective housing. Through the analysis of social, economic, and political variables, students are encouraged to understand urban dynamics, current city challenges, and potential growth. This interdisciplinary training allows students to address the complexities of urban planning and housing management in various contexts.

Main Approaches

From a sociological perspective, the course covers the study of demographic variables, migration patterns, and urban growth projections. By using tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), students gain a comparative view of the relationship between neighborhoods and cities. This perspective facilitates understanding who makes up the city, what their main needs and problems are, and how these are spatially distributed. Topics such as community identity, gentrification, and touristification are also explored, among others.

Sanchinarro Neighborhood – Research  by students Akins, Cruz, Denisova, Ucha

In the economic sphere, the course emphasizes understanding state investments, the impact of economic crises, and investment phenomena that affect the housing market. Additionally, the course explores the particularities of housing as both a consumer good and a basic necessity, analyzing the consequences of price increases and speculation on housing accessibility. This economic approach enables students to understand the factors that influence housing supply and demand, as well as access policies and subsidies.

Sanchinarro Neighborhood – Research by students Akins, Cruz, Denisova, Ucha

The focus on public policies examines the evolution of urban regulations and standards that have shaped the city. Case studies, both local and international, are analyzed to understand lessons learned and how they can be applied to current issues. Special emphasis is placed on urban regeneration policies, social housing, and sustainability, evaluating their impact on the transformation of the urban landscape and the quality of life of its inhabitants.

Comillas Neighborhood – Proposal by students Gaxiola, Martínez, Sahin, Patel

 

The work in this specialty is organized in two fundamental parts, designed to apply theoretical knowledge in practical research:

1.     Group Research in Madrid’s Neighborhoods
Students will conduct group research in various neighborhoods within Madrid, focusing on the study of collective housing and neighborhood identity. This project includes collecting and analyzing census data, conducting resident interviews, and making field visits. Through this research, students will identify current issues in each sector, such as lack of housing accessibility, socioeconomic segregation, or the impact of gentrification. They will also propose possible architectural and urban interventions to address the specific challenges of each neighborhood, integrating the knowledge acquired in the course.

2.     Individual Essay on a Case Study
Each student will also write an individual essay on a case study, either local or international, related to the topics covered in the course. This essay allows students to delve into a particular aspect of urban issues, exploring innovative solutions implemented in other contexts and evaluating their applicability in Madrid or cities with similar characteristics. This work fosters critical thinking and comparative analysis skills, essential for those who aim to contribute to urban development.

 

Comillas Neighborhood – Proposal by students Gaxiola, Martínez, Sahin, Patel

 

About Daniel Sorando