Urban social sustainability at the neighbourhood scale: measurement and the impact of physical and personal factors

Despite its theoretical and practical significance, urban social sustainability research lacks robust definition, conceptualisation and measurement. In addition, the factors influencing people's perceived feelings about their neighbourhood are underexplored. The aim of this study is two-fold: F...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Local environment 2020-10, Vol.25 (10), p.747-764
Main Authors: Larimian, Taimaz, Freeman, Claire, Palaiologou, Falli, Sadeghi, Negin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Case studies
Economic factors
Factor analysis
Length of residency
Measurement
Multiple regression analysis
Neighborhoods
New Zealand
Physical factors
Regression analysis
Regression models
Reliability
Reliability analysis
Reliability aspects
Residence
Respondents
Social sustainability
socio-economic (personal) factors
Socioeconomic factors
Sustainability
sustainable development
Urban areas
urban form (physical) factors
Urban planning
Urban social sustainability
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Summary:Despite its theoretical and practical significance, urban social sustainability research lacks robust definition, conceptualisation and measurement. In addition, the factors influencing people's perceived feelings about their neighbourhood are underexplored. The aim of this study is two-fold: First, to develop and empirically test the urban social sustainability (USS) measurement model at the neighbourhood scale that captures the multifaceted nature of this complex phenomenon. Second, to use the proposed USS model to examine the role of different physical (urban form) and personal (socio-economic) factors in promoting or weakening various aspects of neighbourhood social sustainability. We conducted factor analysis for testing the dimensionality, validity, and reliability of the USS model. Multiple regression analysis was also used to test the practical implications of the model. Our findings from 251 respondents in five case study neighbourhoods of Dunedin city, New Zealand, provide evidence that the effects of physical and personal factors can differ according to distinct USS dimensions. We found that out of the four physical factors, quality of urban design is the most influential factor, having a significant positive influence on three USS dimensions and the overall urban social sustainability. Among the personal factors, length of residence in a neighbourhood has the most influence on different USS dimensions.
ISSN:1354-9839
1469-6711
DOI:10.1080/13549839.2020.1829575