Projects / Programmes
Factors of greater cohesion and cooperation in the neighbourhoods
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 5.03.00 |
Social sciences |
Sociology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| S210 |
Social sciences |
Sociology |
neighbourhood, progress, cohesion, cooperation, community
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
23425 |
PhD Maša Filipovič Hrast |
Sociology |
Head |
2007 - 2008 |
379 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Many researchers today analyse the meaning of the neighbourhood, local community and neighbourhood ties. At that the factors, that influence the relations of people at local level are often observed in a fragmented, not very coherent manner. This in consequence does not enable the comparison of factors. This research project will try to answer the question of which factors are important for a successful neighbourhood and high quality of life in the neighbourhoods. We will try to discover what influences the nature of cooperation and cohesion in the neighbourhoods, what is the relationship of residents toward a neighbourhood in postmodern times and what are people prepared to invest in the neighbourhood in terms of time, financial and other resources. A combination of research methods will be used - combine field work, qualitative methods (interviews) and quantitative methods (questionnaires). Two urban neighbourhoods will be analysed - a suburban neighbourhood and a post-war estate. For each type particular building types and other neighbourhood characteristics are typical. The analysis of the two neighbourhood types enables us to determine influences on cohesion and cooperation, determined by neighbourhood characteristics. Studying two different types of neighbourhoods will allow for observation of influence of different contexts on neighbourhood relations. These influences have been stressed in the literature. With this research we would gain new knowledge on factors that influence the quality of life in neighbourhoods, the importance of neighbourhoods in people's lives.
Significance for science
The research project analysed the factors influencing cohesion and cooperation in the neighbourhood on the basis of two case studies in two neighbourhoods in Ljubljana. It brings important new scientific knowledge – i.e. identification and classification of factors of cohesion and neighbourhood attachment, classification of factors in two different urban types of neighbourhoods and innovative combination of quantitative and qualitative methodology as part of research plan.
The measurement instrument – questionnaire was based on different theories, to enable combination, verification and upgrading of different concepts. Different theories understand cohesion through different concepts, such as social capital, sense of community, community efficacy and social networks. I tried to combine these concepts and in analysis verified that cohesion at local level can be divided in three factors – social control, social networks and community attachment. This indicates the multidimensional nature of the concept as well as confirms the possibility to observe all this concepts combined. Innovative methods were also used, i.e. combination of quantitative and qualitative methods (triangulation).
Furthermore, choosing two distinct types of urban neighbourhoods enabled observation of the above concepts in different contexts and verifying how much is this a context related phenomenon. It was found that the results varied very much in both neighbourhoods, which has implications for further neighbourhood studies.
A new filed was open when observing factors of cohesion at local level. Values have been included in the analysis as important influencing factor, which has been somewhat neglected in other studies at home and abroad. According to the theory of Inglehard we distinguished between traditional, materialistic and postmaterialistic values. These have proven to be important explaining variable and improved regression models significantly. Tested and proven was also the influence of cohesion on cooperation in the neighbourhood and active involvement in improving the neighbourhood. Qualitative part gave additional answers on what would be needed from the perspective of respondents to improve cooperation in the neighbourhood – there is a need for a person from the neighbourhood that would encourage this cooperation, so called 'spiritus agens'.
During the project I have published several scientific articles (individually or in co-authorship 11 scientific articles), articles in books (2 articles) and also a book. I have actively participated in domestic and international scientific conferences.
Significance for the country
The theme of the project is relevant in context of key challenges of social development and quality of life. Questions of social cohesion and solidarity and cooperation are key challenges discussed in European Union and are relevant for further development of Slovenia. It is concerned with problems of social cohesion and cooperation among people and ways to encourage these. In that sense the project addresses the second goal of the Development Strategy of Slovenia; that is improving quality of life and welbeing of all individuals, measured by indicators of human development, social risks and social cohesion, inclusion and trust (Development Strategy of Slovenia 2005:18).
The results of the project partly address issues that were underresearched in Slovenia,, and gives basis for more informed policies to ensure social cohesion and local participation and suistainable development of slovenian society as a whole. Tested and proven was also the influence of cohesion on cooperation in the neighbourhood and active involvement in improving the neighbourhood. Qualitative part gave additional answers on what would be needed from the perspective of respondents to improve cooperation in the neighbourhood – there is a need for a person from the neighbourhood that would encourage this cooperation, so called 'spiritus agens'. It is a concept already adopted abroad (e.g. GB) in form of community workers that live in the local communities and are actively involved in organisations of various community projects and stimulating cooperation among people. For the popularisation of these subjects I have been actively involved in round tables and debates (organised by Institute for policies of space, Festival for third life period, association Šent) and in the media (radio and TV).
Information on factors promoting cohesion and cooperation in neighbourhoods, efficiency of neighbourhoods is very relevant in modern urban society, as it enables promotion of quality of life of people (of which quality of living is an important part) and development of social cohesion and social inclusion at the local level. Results of the project can therefore be potentially useful for policy makers and interested professionals and public from the field of urban development, regional and local development, municipalities, regeneration policies, etc. The results namely shed light on the dynamics and processes of cooperation at the local level and potentials for influencing them. Results of the project are also useful for monitoring the levels of social inclusion and social cohesion and the questions of sustainable development of cities (which are addressed in National reports on strategies for social protection and social inclusion and Development Strategy of Slovenia).
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
