Spatial Inequalities and Feelings of Left-Behindness: Perceptions, Imaginaries, and Policy Responses

Call for Papers

Spatial Inequalities and Feelings of Left-Behindness: Perceptions, Imaginaries, and Policy Responses

Journal: Regional Studies
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Manuscript Submission Deadline: 11 September 2026

Regional Studies invites submissions for its Special Issue titled "Spatial Inequalities and Feelings of Left-Behindness: Perceptions, Imaginaries, and Policy Responses."

About the Special Issue

Growing regional inequalities, political polarization, and place-based discontent have intensified interest in understanding the emotional, symbolic, and narrative dimensions of "left-behind" places. This Special Issue seeks to advance research on how perceptions, spatial imaginaries, regional identities, and local narratives shape experiences of inequality and influence policy responses.

The issue welcomes conceptual, theoretical, and empirical studies that move beyond traditional economic indicators to explore the emotional and cultural dimensions of territorial inequality. It particularly encourages contributions examining how regional identities, perceptions of neglect, and imagined futures interact with governance, planning, and regional development across different geographical contexts.

Scope and Topics of Interest

Submissions may address, but are not limited to:

• Theories and empirical studies of perceived left-behindness

• Spatial imaginaries, narratives, and regional identities

• Emotional geographies and symbolic dimensions of regional inequality

• Historical memory and perceptions of regional futures

• Material impacts of spatial imaginaries on regional development

• Feelings of exclusion, neglect, and institutional mistrust

• Policy responses to perceived left-behindness

• Regional planning and place-based development strategies

• Methodological approaches to studying narratives and imaginaries

• Comparative studies across the Global North and Global South

• Qualitative, quantitative, conceptual, and case-study research on regional inequality

Submission Guidelines

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 28 February 2026

• Manuscript Submission Deadline: 11 September 2026

• Authors should submit an extended abstract (maximum 500 words plus references) through the designated Google Form for initial consideration.

• Selected authors will be invited to submit full manuscripts for peer review.

• Conceptual, theoretical, qualitative, quantitative, comparative, and empirical studies are welcome.

• Early-career researchers and studies focusing on the Global South are particularly encouraged.

• Full manuscripts should be submitted through the Regional Studies online submission system by selecting the appropriate Special Issue title.

Special Issue Editors

• Max Roessler — University of Greifswald

• Christian Joel González-Cuatianquis — Gran Sasso Science Institute

• Stefania Fiorentino — University of Cambridge

• Grete Gansauer — University of Wyoming

Posted on ServiceSetu Academics — Premier Platform for Academic Opportunities & Research Collaboration

Visit official website of the publisher