Segmentation of urban space as a sphere of population’s inequality formation

The aim of the article is to consider urban space as a form of social segmentation. Based on the research logic of classical and modern sociological concepts describing variants of geographical space differentiation, the article analyzes Russian cities. It focuses on the heterogeneity of urban space, the formation of the spectrum of consumer and status markers of the neighborhood. According to the author, the markers of socio-spatial segmentation are grouped in the area of the city image, the sphere of commercial offers, the actions of privileged groups that lead to the transformation of space. The peculiarities of their impact are manifested both in explicit and implicit forms, forming additional financial and time constraints for the representatives of the urban population. Certain visual and informational designations represent manipulative elements. The article considers the peculiarities of the city as a sphere of realization of residents’ identity, the problems caused by the practices of self-determination, and the behavioral strategies of city dwellers.