Quarterly of Geographical Research

Objective: Spatial justice is a concept that lacks a clear and comprehensive definition within any single intellectual tradition. In its broadest sense, justice is associated in discourse with concepts such as equality, harmony, fairness, balance, parity, and rights. This research aims to conduct a pathology analysis of empowerment programs concerning spatial justice in the rural areas of Savadkuh County and North Savadkuh County.
Methodology: This applied research employs a descriptive-analytical method. Data were collected through documentary sources and field surveys based on questionnaires administered to experts and local residents in the two counties of Savadkuh and North Savadkuh. The statistical population consisted of residents and experts from these two regions. Using simple random sampling, 50 villages (16 villages in North Savadkuh County and 34 villages in Savadkuh County) were selected. The sample size for villagers was determined using Cochran's formula to be 384 individuals, with 204 questionnaires distributed in villages of North Savadkuh and 180 questionnaires in villages of Savadkuh. Sampling of villagers was done through simple random probability sampling, while expert sampling was conducted using purposive non-probability sampling. For data analysis, a one-sample t-test was used for the villagers' questionnaires, and the DANP (DEMATEL-based Analytic Network Process) model was used for the experts' questionnaires.
Findings: The results of the one-sample t-test indicated that the current empowerment programs in Savadkuh villages were evaluated as below average in terms of spatial justice. Mountainous villages (except in the environmental dimension) fared better (or: scored higher on spatial justice indicators) compared to foothill villages. The most significant identified problems were: inefficient management, unfair distribution of resources, low public participation, misalignment of programs with local needs, and weak monitoring.