Effects of Urbanization on Community Cohesion in Major Cities of Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47672/ejs.2091Keywords:
Urbanization, Community, Cohesion, CitiesAbstract
Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of urbanization on community cohesion in major cities of Pakistan.
Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: The study found that high-density urban environments often lead to increased social fragmentation and decreased levels of trust and reciprocity among residents. Additionally, rapid urbanization can result in physical segregation, where different socioeconomic groups are spatially separated, leading to reduced social integration and solidarity. This can exacerbate inequalities and contribute to social exclusion and marginalization, particularly among vulnerable populations.
On the other hand, urban areas also facilitate the formation of new social networks and communities based on shared interests, identities, or experiences. These "urban villages" or communities of practice can foster strong bonds and support systems, enhancing community resilience and cohesion. Moreover, the availability and accessibility of public spaces, amenities, and social infrastructure play a crucial role in shaping community cohesion.
Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social capital theory, spatial mismatch theory and place attachment theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the effects of urbanization on community cohesion in major cities of Pakistan. Implement community-based programs and initiatives that strengthen social ties and foster a sense of belonging among diverse urban populations. Advocate for policies that support mixed-income housing developments and inclusive urban infrastructure, creating environments that facilitate social interaction and collaboration among residents.
Downloads
References
Adeyemi, T. (2019). Social networks and community cohesion in urban Nigeria. African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 13(4), 104-118. DOI: 10.5897/AJPSIR2019.1185
Chen, X., Wu, Y., & Li, M. (2020). Urbanization and community participation in Shanghai: A mixed-methods study. Journal of Urban Studies, 45(2), 256-271. DOI: 10.1080/00420989.2020.1847563
Fiorina, M. P. (2018). Unstable Majorities: Polarization, Party Sorting, and Political Stalemate. Hoover Press.
Friedrichs, J., & Heinelt, H. (2022). Urban Governance and Urbanization Challenges in Europe: Policy Dynamics, Governance Capacity, and Institutional Adaptiveness. Springer.
Garcia, L., & Nguyen, T. (2018). Social interactions and neighborhood solidarity in rapidly urbanizing cities: A comparative study of Los Angeles and Tokyo. Urban Anthropology, 47(3), 201-218. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.25071/2168-2922.39147
Hernandez, A. (2020). Community engagement and social cohesion in urban Mexico. International Journal of Community Well-Being, 5(3), 287-301. DOI: 10.1007/s42413-020-00070-3
HSRC. (2021). Community cohesion and social inclusion in South Africa. Retrieved from http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/research-data/view/11670
Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana. (2022). Cultural values and community cohesion in rural Ghana. Retrieved from http://ias.ug.edu.gh/
IPAR-Rwanda. (2018). Reconciliation and community cohesion in post-genocide Rwanda. Retrieved from https://www.ipar-rwanda.org/
IPEA. (2018). Social capital and community well-being in Brazil. Retrieved from https://www.ipea.gov.br/en/ipea/articles/29714-social-capital-and-community-well-being-in-brazil
Kain, J. F. (2019). The Spatial Mismatch Hypothesis: Three Decades Later. Housing Policy Debate, 29(2), 195-203.
Kubo, T., (2017). Community-based rural development and its effect on social capital: An empirical study in Japan. Journal of Rural Studies, 54, 259-269. DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2017.07.006
Li, M., & Wu, Y. (2023). Urbanization and social networks in Hong Kong: A social network analysis approach. Cities, 101, 102343. DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2023.102343
Lwanga-Ntale, C. (2020). Social networks, social capital, and community resilience in Kenya. World Development, 136, 105097. DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2020.105097
Office for National Statistics. (2020). Personal and economic well-being in the UK: January 2020. Retrieved from https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/articles/personalandeconomicwellbeingintheuk/january2020
Okello, J, (2018). Community-led development and social capital: A case study from rural Uganda. Journal of Rural and Community Development, 13(1), 124-139. Retrieved from https://journals.brandonu.ca/jrcd/article/view/1692
Patel, S., & Singh, R. (2021). Social capital and urbanization in Mumbai: Insights from a mixed-methods study. Journal of Urban Development, 34(4), 431-448. DOI: 10.1080/07352166.2021.1963902
Pew Research Center. (2021). Trust and distrust in America: Partisanship, issue preferences, and political behaviors. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/10/21/trust-and-distrust-in-america/
Putnam, R. D. (2020). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.
Putnam, R. D. (2020). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.
Rodriguez, A., & Garcia, E. (2019). Public spaces and social cohesion in Barcelona: A cross-sectional study. Urban Studies, 56(8), 1603-1620. DOI: 10.1177/0042098017740326
Saraf, M., (2018). Community participation and social networks: Key factors in enhancing rural development in India. Journal of Community Psychology, 46(5), 646-658. DOI: 10.1002/jcop.21979
Sari, D., (2019). Community-based disaster management and social cohesion in coastal Indonesia. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 34, 125-136. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2018.10.011
Smith, J. (2019). Urban growth and community cohesion: A longitudinal study in New York City. Urban Research, 32(5), 601-618. DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2019.1650132
Ulrich, R. S. (2018). Aesthetic and Affective Response to Natural Environment. In J. F. Lynch & G. W. Lathrop (Eds.), The Visual Environment: Public Policy Issues (pp. 79-101). University of California Press.
UN DESA. (2018). World Urbanization Prospects: The 2018 Revision. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
UN-Habitat. (2019). World Cities Report 2018: Learning from Urbanization. United Nations Human Settlements Programme.
Wang, Y. (2018). Urban planning and community cohesion in Beijing: A case study approach. Urban Planning Review, 45(3), 321-336. DOI: 10.1080/08111146.2018.1502876
Woolcock, M. (2018). Social Capital and Economic Development: Toward a Theoretical Synthesis and Policy Framework. Theory and Society, 47(4), 359-388.
Zaman, H. (2018). Microfinance and social capital: Evidence from rural Bangladesh. Journal of Development Studies, 54(8), 1441-1457. DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2017.1394136
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Arif Alvi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
