Priyanka Borpujari’s Post

Happy to share my recent, open access publication, reflecting on the inclusive city: I. Nio (2024), ‘Dilemmas of the inclusive city: Amsterdam as a case study’. In: S. Meier, L. Bertelmann & L. Wissenbach (Eds.), Inclusive Localities. Perspectives on Local Social Policies and Practices. Opladen: Verlag Barbara Budrich, 51-64.   Inclusion has been the new magic concept in Dutch policy for about ten years now. The term appears in policy memorandums of many municipalities. At the same time, there is a discussion among scholars about interpretations of inclusion. What is an inclusive city? Is it a city that is accessible to everyone? A city without inequality? A city where everyone feels at home? There are no unequivocal answers. Everyone interprets the inclusive city differently. But it does touch on essential issues. This article elaborates on policies for an inclusive city of the municipality of Amsterdam. I will critically assess the effects of three policy areas aimed at inclusion in deprived neighbourhoods. I will show that the results are not so unequivocal because of obstacles in the system world and the realities of everyday life. Finally, I will indicate what this means for the approach of various practitioners who deal with the principle of inclusion. https://lnkd.in/ekDBBHKp

The Intersection of Political Bias and Social Cohesion - VUWSA non-partisanship stand this election year Sometimes we must question the actions of institutions we respect, not out of malice or personal gain, but because we believe in the ideals they represent. My concern with Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association within Victoria University of Wellington lies in this territory. Despite VUWSA's claim of being a non-partisan organisation, their recent collaboration with the Green Party in the "Study Wage for All" campaign raises questions about this proclaimed neutrality. VUWSA asserts that it's the duty of political parties to align their policies with student welfare and approach them proactively. Yet, a month ago when I approached them as the TOP - The Opportunities Party candidate for Wellington Central to offer support and see how we could collaborate to support students and staff, the response was that they weren't meeting with candidates at that time. This inconsistency triggers concerns about transparency and possible political bias. Why is this important? Institutions like VUWSA play a critical role in enhancing social cohesion and reducing polarization, a focus that has guided my academic and professional life over the past years. In a socially cohesive society, confidence in public institutions is paramount. These institutions should protect rights, mediate conflicts, be responsive, and above all, earn the trust of the communities they serve. VUWSA has done commendable work advocating for students, but it's our collective responsibility to ensure that these institutions uphold the principles they claim to stand for, ensuring transparency and fairness in all their actions. Raising this complaint isn't a distraction but a necessity, as we aim to create a more cohesive and fair New Zealand, especially in an election year where the stakes are so high and emotions are running so hot. #Accountability #Transparency #SocialCohesion https://lnkd.in/gGjuwqDR