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Volume 39, Issue 1 (2024)
GeoRes 2024, 39(1): 79-88 |
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Received: 2023/11/20 | Accepted: 2024/03/29 | Published: 2024/04/5
Received: 2023/11/20 | Accepted: 2024/03/29 | Published: 2024/04/5
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Bozorgi M, Emam Jomeh F, Saie Arasi I. Examination of the Role of Citizens' Social Self in Urban Sustainable Development in District 2 of Tehran City. GeoRes 2024; 39 (1) :79-88
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1- Department of Sociology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Sociology, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran
3- Department of Sociology, Abhar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Abhar, Iran
2- Department of Sociology, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran
3- Department of Sociology, Abhar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Abhar, Iran
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Background
A contributing factor to the lack of success in sustainable urban development is the insufficient consideration given to the social identity of residents as a significant element that should be given greater emphasis. Human components with social competency and social responsibility are essential for achieving sustainable urban development.
Previous Studies
The significance of social capital, which encompasses the behaviors of individuals within social frameworks, is increasingly being recognized in relation to physical, economic, and human capital [Safaralizadeh et al., 2022; Li et al., 2009]. Hall and Egger highlight the significant efficacy of residents' social self, which plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable urban development [Hall, 2006; Egger, 2006]. According to Egger, assessing the sustainability of a city should extend beyond just the quality of life and should be analyzed from two viewpoints, namely "the network and self" [Egger, 2006].
Aim(s)
This research aimed to examine the influence of residents' social self on sustainable urban development.
Research Type
This study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey.
Research Society, Place, and Time
The study was carried out in district 2 of Tehran in 2022. Following the categorization of this district according to their quality of life score, the neighborhoods in district 2 were classified into 5 distinct categories: very high, high, medium, low, and very low quality of life. This classification was done using a random sampling approach. A sample was chosen from each level of the neighborhoods in the studied region.
The statistical population consisted of individuals aged 15 and above residing in the 2nd district of Tehran. According to the 2015 data from the Iranian Statistics Center, its population was estimated to be 640,361 people.
Sampling Method and Number
The sample size was determined using Cochran's formula and consisted of 600 individuals. Each of the selected neighborhoods was allotted 120 samples based on the classification of urban blocks.
The urban blocks were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling procedure. Following the selection of neighborhoods and urban blocks, a systematic sampling method was used to select 10 families (and therefore 10 respondents) from each block.
Used Devices & Materials
A researcher-developed questionnaire consisting of 55 items was created. The initial section, comprising 56 items, focused on sustainable urban development, which served as the dependent variable. The remaining 8 items were dedicated to the social self, serving as the independent variable. The items were assessed using a Likert scale, which is an ordinal assessment level, consisting of 5 alternatives ranging from extremely high (5) to very low (1). During the field survey, the questionnaires were consolidated into a single edition. Options 1 to 8 were designated for the self-social questionnaire, while options 9 to 64 were designated for the sustainable urban development questionnaire. The questionnaire's content validity was assessed using the Sach Lauche approach.The coefficient of variation (CVR) for all indicators exceeded the minimum value of 0.49, as confirmed by the 15 experts. This indicates that the items have content validity. The instrument's reliability was assessed using the Cronbach's alpha approach. To achieve this objective, a prototype consisting of 35 questionnaires was delivered in specific regions of Tehran. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach's alpha value, which was found to be 0.692.
In order to examine the correlation between individuals' social identity and the progress of environmentally-friendly urban development, structural equations were analyzed through the use of AMOS software. Additionally, a bivariate T-test was conducted using SPSS 22.
Findings by Text
The process of evaluating and adapting the propensity model is used to assess social participation indicators in the development of urban creative areas.
A) Checking the reliability of indicators: This evaluation was conducted using factor loading coefficients, Cronbach's alpha coefficients, and composite reliability. The factor loading coefficients of all indicators in this model exceeded 0.4, indicating the suitability of the indicators and sub-indices (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Factor loading model for evaluating social participation indicators in the formation of urban creative area
The value of Cronbach's alpha was above 0.7, confirming the indicators' reliability (Table 1). The composite reliability in calculating the constructs exceeded 0.7, indicating an appropriate internal reliability between the constructs. b) Validating the indicators: the mean value of the extracted variance exceeded 0.5, indicating the constructs' convergence (Table 1).
Table 1. Convergent validity, composite reliability, and Cronbach’s alpha of research indicators
The research model's reliability and convergent validity were confirmed because Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability (internal consistency), and AVE all fell within the required range. In addition, the factor loading for each of the research measures was calculated to assess the construct's reliability and validity (Table 2). All the indicators have factor loadings above 0.4, and the reliability and construct validity of the research model's measures were also established.
Table 2. Factor loadings, mean, standard deviation, and variance of the indices of each structure
Significance coefficient
The significance coefficients were utilized to assess the relationship between the structures in the model (structural section). They demonstrated a significant relationship between the structures, thereby confirming the research hypotheses with a confidence level of 95%.
R2
According to the calculated R square, human capital, citizens' activity, urban creative area, innovation, quality of life, and social participation were identified as reflective components. The combined model had all five constituent components: participation rate, participation stability, participation depth, participation impact, and participation diversity.
Criterion Q2
Since the Q2 value of all six endogenous components exceeded zero, it may be concluded that they were accurately reconstructed and predicted. The positive coefficients of the path provide evidence of a direct relationship between the components and their influence. Subsequently, the relationships between the various components could be verified.
Figure 3. Significance coefficients of the components in each structure (t-statistics)
The results of the significance model indicated that participation with a path coefficient of 5.701 had a significant positive effect on social participation. Furthermore, the stability, depth, rate, and diversity of participation positively and significantly affected social participation. Improving social participation in the urban creative area resulted in advancing innovation, citizen involvement, quality of life, and human capital of the citizens in the area (Figure 3).
Main comparisons to similar studies
In contrast to the current study, Savini & Dimbski have stated that despite planning policies, production and an efficient, creative workforce were the characteristics of a creative city. The current research defines social participation as the ability to contribute to production, power, and efficiency in the creative city [Savini & Dembski, 2016]. In line with the current research, Rostami & Rezaie have identified the indicators indicating social participation and emphasized the social dimensions as the primary indicator of a creative city [Rostami & Rezaie Eshaghvandi, 2021]. Yarahamdi et al. conducted a study on creating creative urban places, employing a research methodology that differs significantly from the current research [Yarahamdi et al., 2021]. Kalantari et al. have conducted a study on the creative city indicators in Iran's megacities using a distinct methodology [Kalantari et al., 2017]. According to Wilson et al., continuous and active social participation in decision-making has led to greater prosperity and creativity in urban areas [Wilson et al., 2015].
Suggestions
1. Granting diverse societal groups the chance to engage in urban creativities within the eleventh district.
2. Engaging in dialogue with distinguished individuals and exceptional personnel for the expression and transmission of ideas
3. Urging financial backing from the private sector to foster creativity and innovation.
4. Advocating for enhanced collaboration and interaction among various establishments.
Conclusion
Regarding the characteristics associated with social participation, participation has the greatest influence on social participation in the development of urban creative areas, whilst the sustainability of participation has the least significant impact. In addition, sub-indices such as failure to recognize and attract individuals with exceptional abilities and talents, as well as weaknesses in cooperation and participation among people from different social strata, contribute to the underutilization of potential and hinder the expansion of the urban creative area.
Acknowledgments: This article is derived from the doctoral dissertation of the first author, supervised by the second author and advised by the third author.
Ethical Permission: No ethical issues have been reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: No conflicts of interest have been reported by the authors.
Author Contributions: Bozorgi M.R. (First Author), Introduction Writer / Discussion Writer / Methodologist (50%); Emam Jomeh F (Second Author), Introduction Writer / Discussion Writer (25%); Saie Arasi (Third Author), Discussion Writer (25%)
Funding: No funding has been reported by the authors.
A contributing factor to the lack of success in sustainable urban development is the insufficient consideration given to the social identity of residents as a significant element that should be given greater emphasis. Human components with social competency and social responsibility are essential for achieving sustainable urban development.
Previous Studies
The significance of social capital, which encompasses the behaviors of individuals within social frameworks, is increasingly being recognized in relation to physical, economic, and human capital [Safaralizadeh et al., 2022; Li et al., 2009]. Hall and Egger highlight the significant efficacy of residents' social self, which plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable urban development [Hall, 2006; Egger, 2006]. According to Egger, assessing the sustainability of a city should extend beyond just the quality of life and should be analyzed from two viewpoints, namely "the network and self" [Egger, 2006].
Aim(s)
This research aimed to examine the influence of residents' social self on sustainable urban development.
Research Type
This study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey.
Research Society, Place, and Time
The study was carried out in district 2 of Tehran in 2022. Following the categorization of this district according to their quality of life score, the neighborhoods in district 2 were classified into 5 distinct categories: very high, high, medium, low, and very low quality of life. This classification was done using a random sampling approach. A sample was chosen from each level of the neighborhoods in the studied region.
The statistical population consisted of individuals aged 15 and above residing in the 2nd district of Tehran. According to the 2015 data from the Iranian Statistics Center, its population was estimated to be 640,361 people.
Sampling Method and Number
The sample size was determined using Cochran's formula and consisted of 600 individuals. Each of the selected neighborhoods was allotted 120 samples based on the classification of urban blocks.
The urban blocks were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling procedure. Following the selection of neighborhoods and urban blocks, a systematic sampling method was used to select 10 families (and therefore 10 respondents) from each block.
Used Devices & Materials
A researcher-developed questionnaire consisting of 55 items was created. The initial section, comprising 56 items, focused on sustainable urban development, which served as the dependent variable. The remaining 8 items were dedicated to the social self, serving as the independent variable. The items were assessed using a Likert scale, which is an ordinal assessment level, consisting of 5 alternatives ranging from extremely high (5) to very low (1). During the field survey, the questionnaires were consolidated into a single edition. Options 1 to 8 were designated for the self-social questionnaire, while options 9 to 64 were designated for the sustainable urban development questionnaire. The questionnaire's content validity was assessed using the Sach Lauche approach.The coefficient of variation (CVR) for all indicators exceeded the minimum value of 0.49, as confirmed by the 15 experts. This indicates that the items have content validity. The instrument's reliability was assessed using the Cronbach's alpha approach. To achieve this objective, a prototype consisting of 35 questionnaires was delivered in specific regions of Tehran. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach's alpha value, which was found to be 0.692.
In order to examine the correlation between individuals' social identity and the progress of environmentally-friendly urban development, structural equations were analyzed through the use of AMOS software. Additionally, a bivariate T-test was conducted using SPSS 22.
Findings by Text
The process of evaluating and adapting the propensity model is used to assess social participation indicators in the development of urban creative areas.
A) Checking the reliability of indicators: This evaluation was conducted using factor loading coefficients, Cronbach's alpha coefficients, and composite reliability. The factor loading coefficients of all indicators in this model exceeded 0.4, indicating the suitability of the indicators and sub-indices (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Factor loading model for evaluating social participation indicators in the formation of urban creative area
The value of Cronbach's alpha was above 0.7, confirming the indicators' reliability (Table 1). The composite reliability in calculating the constructs exceeded 0.7, indicating an appropriate internal reliability between the constructs. b) Validating the indicators: the mean value of the extracted variance exceeded 0.5, indicating the constructs' convergence (Table 1).
Table 1. Convergent validity, composite reliability, and Cronbach’s alpha of research indicators
The research model's reliability and convergent validity were confirmed because Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability (internal consistency), and AVE all fell within the required range. In addition, the factor loading for each of the research measures was calculated to assess the construct's reliability and validity (Table 2). All the indicators have factor loadings above 0.4, and the reliability and construct validity of the research model's measures were also established.
Table 2. Factor loadings, mean, standard deviation, and variance of the indices of each structure
Significance coefficient
The significance coefficients were utilized to assess the relationship between the structures in the model (structural section). They demonstrated a significant relationship between the structures, thereby confirming the research hypotheses with a confidence level of 95%.
R2
According to the calculated R square, human capital, citizens' activity, urban creative area, innovation, quality of life, and social participation were identified as reflective components. The combined model had all five constituent components: participation rate, participation stability, participation depth, participation impact, and participation diversity.
Criterion Q2
Since the Q2 value of all six endogenous components exceeded zero, it may be concluded that they were accurately reconstructed and predicted. The positive coefficients of the path provide evidence of a direct relationship between the components and their influence. Subsequently, the relationships between the various components could be verified.
Figure 3. Significance coefficients of the components in each structure (t-statistics)
The results of the significance model indicated that participation with a path coefficient of 5.701 had a significant positive effect on social participation. Furthermore, the stability, depth, rate, and diversity of participation positively and significantly affected social participation. Improving social participation in the urban creative area resulted in advancing innovation, citizen involvement, quality of life, and human capital of the citizens in the area (Figure 3).
Main comparisons to similar studies
In contrast to the current study, Savini & Dimbski have stated that despite planning policies, production and an efficient, creative workforce were the characteristics of a creative city. The current research defines social participation as the ability to contribute to production, power, and efficiency in the creative city [Savini & Dembski, 2016]. In line with the current research, Rostami & Rezaie have identified the indicators indicating social participation and emphasized the social dimensions as the primary indicator of a creative city [Rostami & Rezaie Eshaghvandi, 2021]. Yarahamdi et al. conducted a study on creating creative urban places, employing a research methodology that differs significantly from the current research [Yarahamdi et al., 2021]. Kalantari et al. have conducted a study on the creative city indicators in Iran's megacities using a distinct methodology [Kalantari et al., 2017]. According to Wilson et al., continuous and active social participation in decision-making has led to greater prosperity and creativity in urban areas [Wilson et al., 2015].
Suggestions
1. Granting diverse societal groups the chance to engage in urban creativities within the eleventh district.
2. Engaging in dialogue with distinguished individuals and exceptional personnel for the expression and transmission of ideas
3. Urging financial backing from the private sector to foster creativity and innovation.
4. Advocating for enhanced collaboration and interaction among various establishments.
Conclusion
Regarding the characteristics associated with social participation, participation has the greatest influence on social participation in the development of urban creative areas, whilst the sustainability of participation has the least significant impact. In addition, sub-indices such as failure to recognize and attract individuals with exceptional abilities and talents, as well as weaknesses in cooperation and participation among people from different social strata, contribute to the underutilization of potential and hinder the expansion of the urban creative area.
Acknowledgments: This article is derived from the doctoral dissertation of the first author, supervised by the second author and advised by the third author.
Ethical Permission: No ethical issues have been reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: No conflicts of interest have been reported by the authors.
Author Contributions: Bozorgi M.R. (First Author), Introduction Writer / Discussion Writer / Methodologist (50%); Emam Jomeh F (Second Author), Introduction Writer / Discussion Writer (25%); Saie Arasi (Third Author), Discussion Writer (25%)
Funding: No funding has been reported by the authors.
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