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This article explores the concept of the urban impasse, which refers to the tension between the potential actions available to individuals in urban environments and the constraints that limit their choices. The authors argue that this impasse contributes to structural inequalities in cities. They advocate for a relational approach to studying the urban, which considers the long-term trends and institutions that shape urban life. The article includes case studies from Berlin, São Paulo, and Brazilian favelas to illustrate the complexities of urban inequalities and the role of institutions in shaping social action. The authors conclude by emphasizing the need for a deeply situational perspective to understand the conflicts and management of cities. [Extracted from the article]