Einleitung

Abstract

The introduction by Axel Schildt and Clemens Zimmermann shows that the topic of 'Rich and poor - Inequality in and between cities' is an independent narrative of historical urbanism. It focuses on the 20th century and deals with phenomena of ostentatious wealth and their social spheres of action. It is also about urban aspects of unequal opportunities in life, which are currently drifting very clearly apart, not only within cities but also between cities and regions. In this context, a connection between processes of demographic shrinkage and social disadvantage is established and opportunities for urban redevelopment are investigated. It is made clear that processes of gentrification have been historically established for a long time and are currently gaining a new quality. The topic of inequality also raises issues of infrastructure networks and housing policy as well as aspects of the history of social movements.