The hidden impact of the coronavirus pandemic is rising urban inequality

Isolation has been one of the defining features of the COVID-19 pandemic, but social inequality has also taken a toll.

Experts say the world is now in the midst of an urban inequality emergency.

And unless we address that, says world-renowned sociologist and architect Richard Sennett, inequality will scar the design and function of our cities for decades to come.

Blind to our own privilege

Trends in urbanisation have always been markers of social, economic and political change.

Since March, speculation about the shifting nature of our cities has focused predominantly on the dynamics of working from home and what that might mean for our CBDs.

In most cities in Australia the discussion is now turning to whether, and how best, to return to the…