In this episode, Nehar is joined by Professor Ulrike Gerhard, an expert in Urban Geography at the University of Heidelberg and the Heidelberg Center for American Studies. Ulrike’s work dives deep into the complexities of cities, exploring themes of spatial justice, urban inequalities, and the lived realities of diverse communities.

From her research on gentrification and displacement in U.S. cities like Washington, D.C. and Chicago, to her analysis of immigration, housing, and homelessness in German cities such as Heidelberg and Berlin, Ulrike unpacks how overlapping social identities—race, class, gender, and migration status—shape urban life. She reveals how intersectionality is not just a theoretical lens but a reality that emerges in every street, neighborhood, and policy decision.

The conversation highlights the tensions between urban development and displacement, the role of stereotypes and media in shaping public discourse, and the importance of listening to marginalized voices. Ulrike also shares personal reflections on engaging with communities, her teaching experiences, and why we are all urban geographers in our daily lives.

This is a rich and thought-provoking episode for anyone interested in intersectionality, urban justice, and how our cities both reflect and reproduce inequalities.

Show notes and Timestamp:

[00:02:00] Why Urban Geography? Ulrike’s early fascination with cities and how they reveal power relations, diversity, and inequalities.

[00:03:30] Intersectionality in Action: How racial, ethnic, and social identities overlap in U.S. cities like Chicago and Washington, D.C.

[00:06:00] Double Vulnerabilities: Experiences of African American women navigating urban spaces and public transport.

[00:08:30] German Cities & Stereotypes: Immigration, clustering, and discriminatory narratives in Heidelberg.

[00:12:00] Homelessness Research: Learning from lived experiences across Berlin, Heidelberg, and industrial towns.

[00:16:00] Teaching Challenges: Encouraging students to balance critical analysis with openness to complexity.

[00:18:00] The Paradox of Gentrification: Who benefits and who gets displaced?

[00:21:00] Policies & Comparative Perspectives: How European planning laws differ from the U.S. in addressing inequalities.

[00:23:00] Personal Engagement: Ulrike’s reflections on being both an academic and a citizen shaping urban space.

[00:27:00] Takeaway Message: We are all urban geographers—pay attention to cities, listen to people, and question assumptions.

💡 Episode Highlights:

• “Doing urban geography, you can’t ignore intersectional vulnerabilities.”

• “Even in wealthy cities, there are hidden pockets of poverty and exclusion.”

• “Let’s describe urban space first—before rushing to critique it.”

• “We are all urban geographers in our daily lives.”

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