Curley, A. M.
APA
Curley, A. M. (2010). Neighborhood institutions, facilities, and public space: A missing link for Hope VI residents' development of social capital? Cityscape, 12(1), 33–63. http://www.jstor.com/stable/20868732
Keywords
Hope VI
,
public space
,
reciprocity
,
Social capital
,
trust
Abstract
This study assessed the factors that shaped the development of shared trust, norms, reciprocity (TNR), and social ties—important foundations of social capital—for low-income HOPE VI (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere) residents who relocated to new communities. A longitudinal mixed-methods approach revealed the distinct but understudied role that neighborhood institutions, facilities, and public spaces play in shaping observations, encounters, and interactions with other coresidents (as well as outsiders). Multivariate analyses of survey data indicate that neighborhood facilities and public spaces, such as parks, libraries, and recreation facilities, were very strong predictors of TNR among neighbors. Indepth interviews with relocated women revealed the ways in which neighborhood structure and public spaces can shape social encounters and relations in the neighborhood. This article presents a discussion of the ways in which these important but often overlooked neighborhood attributes can structure contact with neighbors and considers implications for policies aimed at improving low-income peoples access to social capital through relocation.
Main finding
This article looks at the residents relocated from Maverick Gardens, public housing in Boston, Massachusetts, which was redeveloped as part of the U.S. HOPE VI Program, including those who remained in their relocation units and those who returned to the redeveloped mixed-income community. Residents who had access to more neighborhood institutions, facilities, and public spaces, who had greater place attachment, and who had greater perceptions of safety were significantly more likely to trust neighbors and perceive shared norms and reciprocity. This positive relationship was not found for residents who relocated to higher income neighborhoods. Through interviews, the author found reduced stigma after the public housing was redeveloped, and some residents felt an increase in privacy. However, residents experienced some issues in the new development, including restrictions on use of public spaces and a loss of community after people left, which subsequently decreased public life and social relations with neighbors. For improving opportunities for residents in poor areas, the author argues for focusing on providing neighborhood resources rather than simply moving residents to high income areas. Additionally, the author argues for the creation and preservation of public spaces with fl
Description of method used in the article
This article uses a mixed method approach consisting of in-depth interviews and resident surveys. Survey data relied on 199 surveys taken after residential relocation with original residents of the Maverick Gardens public housing project in Boston, Massachusetts, which was redeveloped as part of the U.S. HOPE VI Program. The author conducted linear regression analysis to test the relationship between a) trust, norms and reciprocity, b) place attachment and c) neighborhood institutions, facilities, and public space. Residents were asked about levels of trust, shared norms among neighbors, willingness to help each other, and whether they got along with one another. The in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 women over the course of the HOPE VI redevelopment program. Participants were recruited via mail, phone and in-person visits.
Verdict
Of practical use