This theme issue focuses on the notion of marginal urbanities, both as physical spaces, positionalities, and practices and as a methodological framing capable of highlighting relevant aspects of urban dynamics and multiple modes of space production. We argue that the vagueness of the notion of the margin should be seen not as a weakness but as an inevitable consequence of the plurality and complexity of urban phenomena. Following a rich and plural scholarly tradition, this theme issue refuses to provide a single, narrowed-down definition of margins, focusing instead on the importance of nourishing the spatial imaginary by defending non-dominant perspectives and geographies. Instead of restricting the field to one specific conception, the different contributions to this theme issue aim to bring into dialogue distinct ways of analysing and conceiving the margins emerging from empirical observations. Indeed, as Lancione (2016) argues, in focusing a priori on a definition of what the margins and borders are, or in trying to contain their heterogeneity into strict theoretical boxes, a whole set of fundamental things – like the nuanced way power and affects work in the everyday life of people and their spaces – get dismissed or not adequately acknowledged (2016:4).

The plurality of case studies, analysis frameworks, methodologies, and conceptions of the margin collected in this theme issue will be presented in such a way as to maintain the delicate balance between recognizing the peculiarities of each specific case and attempting to develop a systematic reflection on urban phenomena. In this way, without giving in to the neoliberal fascination with the cutting edge and novelty, this theme issue makes its own modest, yet serious, contribution to a long-running debate on urban margins.

Lancione, M. (Ed.): Rethinking life at the margins: The assemblage of contexts, subjects and politics, Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, London, New York, 2016.