Boer, R.C.L. den (2023) Liveable Neighbourhoods: How Dutch Housing Associations Engage with the Social Aspect of Liveability. Master thesis.
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Abstract
In recent years, the concept of liveability has gained increasing importance in housing- and planning practice. The amended Housing Act 2022 reflects this significance by providing housing associations with expanded opportunities to engage with liveability in neighbourhoods. This legal change has resulted in increased financial resources for housing associations, and the possibility to contribute to social interaction among their tenants. The social aspect of l iveability encompasses various concepts, including social cohesion, social interaction, social mix, sense of belonging, sense of community, safety, cleanliness, nuisance, and criminality. While some of these factors primarily relate to the social aspect of liveability, others have a physical component as well, overlapping with both social and physical aspects. All of these factors contribute positively to liveability in neighbourhoods. This thesis examines how Dutch housing associations engage with the social aspect of liveability. The research explores the approaches, strategies, collaborations and activities that housing associations undertake in their respective neighbourhoods. Qualitative data has been obtained through semi-structured interviews with 11 experts from housing associations, municipalities, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Aedes and Woonbond. The research reveals that housing associations are actively involved in activities aimed at enhancing social cohesion, community involvement, social interaction, and the sense of community among residents. Often, these activities are combined with efforts to improve the physical environment of a neighbourhood, such as clean-up activities. Furthermore, housing associations encourage resident initiatives in which they take a facilitating role. Moreover, they use existing collaborations with municipalities and tenants’ organizations and collaborate with the police and healthcare- and welfare organisations to engage with the social aspect of liveability. Social mixing is viewed as an effective intervention and is typically carried out in collaboration with municipalities. This research was conducted in the cities of Groningen, Almere and Tiel. To examine the applicability of the findings in diverse local contexts, follow-up research could repeat this study in different geographical contexts, for example, smaller villages or cities in the Randstad. Housing associations adopt an integrated approach that combines social measures, resident participation, collaborations and physical interventions to enhance the liveability in neighbourhoods. However, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of approaches in promoting liveability.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Society, Sustainability and Planning (MSc Socio-spatial Planning) |
| Supervisor: | Lamker, C.W. |
| Date Deposited: | 13 Jul 2023 07:29 |
| Last Modified: | 13 Jul 2023 07:29 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4243 |
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