Community Life Circle, Neighbourly Interaction, and Social Cohesion: Does Community Space Use Foster Stronger Communities?

Min Jiang (), Jiaqi Hu and Xiaofeng Gao
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Min Jiang: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Jiaqi Hu: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Xiaofeng Gao: College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 7, 1-15

Abstract: Neighbourhood social cohesion has emerged as a prominent concern in urban governance worldwide. As the primary domain of residents’ daily activities, the community life circle contributes to neighbourly interaction and social cohesion. This study investigates the role of space use within the community life circle in promoting social cohesion in Chongqing, China. Through an in-depth activity diary survey and structural equation model analysis, we empirically examine the interplay between community space use, neighbourly interaction, and social cohesion. Our findings suggest that the 15 min community life circle plays a crucial role in residents’ daily lives, particularly among senior residents. However, the contribution of community space use to social cohesion is fully mediated by neighbourly interaction. Furthermore, not all patterns of community space use contribute to social cohesion equally; space use engaged with diverse companions on workdays significantly enhances neighbourly interaction and social cohesion. The study enriches the existing literature by deepening our understanding of the role of the community life circle in fostering socially cohesive and sustainable neighbourhoods.

Keywords: community life circle; community space use; social cohesion; neighbourly interaction; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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