'Interacting in narrow streets': The contingencies of living in old, historic, built-up neighbourhood environments and their effect on health and wellbeing
Abstract
There is a growing body of evidence that where you live is important to your health (Fone et al., 2007; Kawachi and Berkman, 2003: Macintyre et al., 2002). The neighbourhood environment is more than the geographical area... [ view full abstract ]
There is a growing body of evidence that where you live is important to your health (Fone et al., 2007; Kawachi and Berkman, 2003: Macintyre et al., 2002). The neighbourhood environment is more than the geographical area comprising of streets, houses, shops, schools and parks but it is an area of cohesion and boundaries which distinguish it from other neighbourhoods (Cummins et al., 2007). This qualitative in-depth study based on the Mediterranean island of Malta, argues that old, traditionally built infrastructure contributes to the way that social processes of social capital operate in neighbourhoods (Lund, 2002; Leyden, 2003). Consistent with other literature, these features of social capital such as social support, which can be emotional, practical or instrumental, has a positive influence on the health and wellbeing of the inhabitants. Moreover, social networks not only provide sociability but also enhance self-esteem and self-identity, due to feelings of belonging and coherence (Kawachi and Berkman, 2001; Valente, 2010). However, narratives pointed out that living in a historic city also comes at a price. Tight regulations and physical limitations of reconstruction lead to vacant, dilapidated properties. This directly affects the physical health of the inhabitants due to inadequate housing conditions subject to dampness and inaccessibility. This research therefore explains that the built environment and social capital are linked but also contingent on health and wellbeing.
Authors
-
bernadine satariano
(University of Durham)
Topic Area
IV. Urbanism, Health and Wellbeing 4.1 Built environment 4.2 Pollution: air, noise, etc
Session
PS-3 » POSTER SESSION 3 (12:15 - Sunday, 3rd April, TBA)
Paper
Interacting_in_narrow_streets_Bernadine_Satariano.docx
Presentation Files
The presenter has not uploaded any presentation files.