Changing patterns of mobility and accessibility to culture and leisure: Paradox of inequalities

• Published in: Cities Vol. 132; p. 104093
• Main Authors: Doğan, Evinç, Jelinčić, Daniela Angelina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-01-2023
• Subjects: Accessibility; Metatheory; Mobility; Paradox; Sociality; Sustainability; Sociality; Mobility; Paradox; Accessibility; Metatheory; Sustainability
• ISSN: 0264-2751; 1873-6084
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.104093

The aim of this paper is to present an overarching theoretical perspective on the paradox of inequalities and the paradigm shift in mobilities by reflecting on the challenges and opportunities in urban areas faced by the COVID-19 measures. The question of blurring boundaries between the human and the technological aspects and the ways in which they alter the form of communication and action is tackled reflecting on the digital divide and socio-spatial inequalities. In order to connect theory and practice, implications from different cases are provided for shedding light on the expected impacts and scenarios for the changing patterns of mobility and accessibility. The results indicate hybridization of the on-site and online forms of mobilities, as well as new approaches to make culture and leisure more inclusive and accessible. Promoting local integration, emerging forms of local tourism such as staycations, using digital tools to foster co-creation, co-curation, and audience engagement, developing new models of business and consumption reflect the changing patterns of mobility and accessibility. There are avenues for further research that revolve around the questions of inequalities, over-consumption, sociality and sustainability.
•COVID-19 accelerated the plans for eco-friendly and sustainable transportation.•More leisure activities have been provided for the local urban communities.•Cultural tourism (im)mobility is mainly promoted by virtual tours.•Digitalization had a major impact on accessing content and learning opportunities.•The lack of equipment and/or knowledge prevent access.