Analyzing spatial the spatial relationship between environmental justice indicators and social classes in the city of Karaj

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article (Applied - Development)

Authors

Kharazmi University

10.22103/JUSG.2026.2195

Abstract

Introduction: The excessive growth of urbanization and unbalanced physical development have revealed spatial and environmental inequalities in Karaj, such that some social groups living in certain parts of the city bear the greatest environmental burden and have the least access to environmental benefits. The aim of this article is to analyze the spatial distribution of environmental justice indicators in relation to the residence of social groups in the city of Karaj.
Data and Method: This is a descriptive-analytical research based on statistical and spatial data that obtained from official sources such as Karaj Municipality, Iranian Statistical Center, and Environmental Protection Agency. The independent variable includes three components of green coverage lands, number of days with clean air per year, and environmental health indicators (including sweepers, garbage bins, and waste trucks and recycling booths). The dependent variable, namely social classes which is introduced as “housing credit index” is calculated by multiplying "housing price" by "residential per capita". The data processed in the GIS using Interpolation tool of IDW and Geographical Weighted Regression method.
Results: The findings indicate that there is a strong positive correlation (up to 0.92) between social classes and environmental indicators. Northern and affluent areas (such as Azimiyeh and Jahanshahr) enjoy more green space, clean air, and health services, while southern and marginal areas (such as Kianmehr and Hesarak) are in a state of environmental deprivation..
Conclusion: The spatial

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Main Subjects

Journal of Urban Social Geography

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 23 September 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 18 May 2026
  • Accept Date: 14 June 2026

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