Gholamreza Latifi
Gholamreza Latifi
Shahabodin Kermanshahi; Alireza Ramandi; Mahdi Bashiri nia; Mahta Mirmoghradaee; Mahdi Shokrgozar
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing trend in utilizing the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) approach for updating traditional master plans. This article presents a comprehensive framework for evaluating development plans through the lens of TOD principles. The assessment is based on five ...
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In recent years, there has been a growing trend in utilizing the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) approach for updating traditional master plans. This article presents a comprehensive framework for evaluating development plans through the lens of TOD principles. The assessment is based on five key criteria: density, diversity, design, destination accessibility, and distance to transit, as well as the interrelationships between these factors. To provide a realistic representation of these principles in the neighborhood context, a dynamic zoning system is employed in walkable areas for local residents. By using this framework, the strengths and weaknesses of development plans can be thoroughly evaluated in detail. The evaluation outcomes consist of statistical figures and geographic maps that can be used to improve future development plans. In this study, the Neyshabour master plan was assessed using this method, revealing that the city's planning and design do not conform to TOD principles. The majority of the TOD criteria received low scores, highlighting the need for revisions to the master plan.
Keywords: Evaluation, Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Urban Development Plan, Density, Diversity, Design.
Introduction
Over the last few decades, cities have grown in size due to urbanization, leading to problems such as increased traffic congestion and air pollution. Transit-oriented development (TOD) has been proposed as a solution to these issues. TOD involves developing more compact, mixed-use, and high-density urban areas near transit stations, with high-quality pedestrian networks and reduced parking spaces, in order to decrease reliance on private cars for intra-city trips and encourage walking.
By examining the experiences of countries that have implemented TOD principles, planners can adjust their plans to align with TOD principles and dimensions. This paper identifies the most significant sources for the principles of such developments and extracts them for use in evaluating comprehensive urban plans based on TOD principles. The information provided in a country's comprehensive plans is then used to evaluate these principles and incorporate the results into a method for evaluating urban development plans, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized cities, which make up 98% of the nation's cities.
As a case study, the master plan for the city of Neyshabur is analyzed to determine whether the incorporation of public transportation aligns with the TOD approach. The further development of this method will be made available to urban planners so that they can use it as an auxiliary instrument.
Methodology
The proposed method for evaluating urban development plans in this study was developed using five dimensions chosen from the TOD criteria: "density," "diversity," "design," "access to destinations," and "distance to public transportation." To automate the evaluation process, coding in the GIS environment was used for geographic analysis, and a web application was developed for index calculation. As urban development plans are prepared as GIS layers, supplementary software-based tools are also provided for associated analyses and preparations.
After conducting an analysis of the strata that make up the urban development plan, indicators associated with the TOD approach are extracted and organized into a database at the city cell level. In addition to these five dimensions, the relationship between the criteria is considered through combined criteria, with one hundred points assigned to sixteen different criteria according to this guideline.
Overall, this method provides an efficient and effective means of evaluating urban development plans based on TOD principles. The automated nature of the tool, supported by GIS and web application technology, streamlines the evaluation process while ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Results
After extracting all the criteria and determining the score for each, the proposed method provides a more comprehensive representation of urban development plans, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. This analysis generates statistical charts and maps that demonstrate the geographical distribution of various factors, which can be utilized to improve urban development plans. For instance, if there is inadequate access to public systems, it must be determined which areas of the city require more attention and redesigning. Similarly, regions of the city that require an improvement or modification of the built environment are also identified and displayed. This relates to the relationship between permitted building density and other design elements based on public transportation.
Moreover, the use of Lorenz curves and accessibility of various services at different functional levels can assist in balancing the distribution of these types of uses throughout the city, ensuring equal access for all citizens. However, the "distance to public transportation" remains a significant limitation of this approach. Insufficient investment in developing public transportation systems within comprehensive plans means that urban development and environmentally responsible transportation are currently incompatible with each other.
Conclusion
The aim of this study is to examine the correlation between physical factors and a development strategy that relies on public transportation. Upon completion, an inquiry into the impact of non-physical variables on development plans based on public transportation can also be conducted. These non-physical variables encompass environmental, seismic zoning, economic, demographic, and climatic factors.
Khashayar Kashani Jou
Abstract
The Abbas Abad area is one of the most significant natural and historical landmarks in Tehran. It has been developed and utilized over the past 17 years to establish a tourism and cultural hub for Iran's capital. However, with new activity areas being introduced, changes in leisure patterns and ...
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The Abbas Abad area is one of the most significant natural and historical landmarks in Tehran. It has been developed and utilized over the past 17 years to establish a tourism and cultural hub for Iran's capital. However, with new activity areas being introduced, changes in leisure patterns and citizens' needs, and management conflicts arising from independent organizations established in the region, it is crucial to manage the complex's activities effectively. This requires attention to changes, a review of requirements and capacities, and consideration of present situations. To address these challenges, this study employed documentary research, field observations, in-depth interviews with stakeholders, and questionnaires to survey different visitor groups during various months and seasons throughout the year. The results offer appropriate solutions to improve the utilization status of the complex. These solutions include increasing diversity and functional mixing within the complex, particularly emphasizing the private sector's role in cultural activities. Additionally, providing basic comfort conditions in open spaces, improving communication methods, and upgrading management infrastructures in accordance with exploitation are essential steps towards enhancing the complex's management.
Keywords: Abbas Abad Area, Optimal Exploitation, Urban Space, Cultural Space, Tourism Space.
Introduction
Urban spaces have played a crucial role as the physical platform for civil life and social interactions amongst citizens. The relationship between urban spaces and various forms of civil life has a long-standing history in cities. These areas witness a diverse range of activities encompassing cultural, tourism, social, economic, and political domains, facilitating most contacts, communications, and interactions between people. Among the significant ecological capacities of Tehran city, Abbas Abad district holds a prominent position, further amplified by its strategic location within the capital. Today, Abbas Abad is one of the most important tourist destinations in Tehran, featuring an array of cultural, scientific, recreational centers, green spaces, and natural areas. However, certain sections of this complex encounter issues of unbalanced population distribution concerning space or time. Additionally, due to its strategic location, some lands of Abbas Abad have been allocated to independent cultural and administrative institutions, contrary to the approved plans, resulting in challenges in the effective utilization of this area.
Literature Review
This research paper summarizes studies on the management of urban spaces globally, emphasizing tourism and cultural spaces. Carmona highlights user regulation, maintenance, and investment as fundamental dimensions of urban management. Barakpour and Asadi (2011) categorize the dimensions of public space management into five fields: integration of planning and policy-making, functional, territorial, governmental-political, interested stakeholder groups, and management contexts. In 2020, García Henche proposed a sustainable management model for creative, cultural, and historical tourism spaces in the article titled "Sustainable Management Model for Creative Cultural and Tourism Ecosystems." This innovative model supports the coexistence of both public and private sectors while integrating residents of city centers with economic activities generated by urban tourism, promoting a culturally rich, sustainable management approach. Therefore, cooperation among cultural organizations, hospitality industry, and retail businesses is vital to foster successful cultural, creative, and sustainable management practices in urban cultural spaces.
Methodology
The present study was conducted using a variety of methods, including library research, field observations, questionnaires, and interviews. The statistical population for this project included tourists and visitors to Abbas Abad lands, and the study focused on examining the patterns of people visiting the area, the problems they experienced, and their suggestions regarding various factors affecting environmental quality in the area. To determine the necessary sample size, Cochran's method was employed. Given the lack of extensive studies regarding the number of people who visit the area, as well as the large research area encompassing regions 3, 6, and 7 of Tehran Municipality, the highest sample size recommended by Cochran's method was used, requiring 384 questionnaires per season, totaling 1536 questionnaires overall. On average, 128 questionnaires were distributed each month, on different days of the week (both working and non-working). The questionnaires were distributed across different areas according to the population density of each section and were completed at various times during the day and night, on different days of the week and month.
Discussion and Results
One of the most significant findings of this research is the proposal of tourist routes for Abbas Abad's area. The proposed tourist routes in the cultural complex of Abbas Abad lands consist of five thematic axes: health and recreation, myth and history, exploration and research, knowledge and philosophy, and culture and art. Each of these axes was developed based on the issues and challenges facing the area, as well as the potential of different spaces to support tourism. For each axis, a tourist tour program is presented, including the origin and destination, the duration of the tour, and the proposed activities and programs in the areas of the Abbas Abad complex.
Given the importance of using Abbas Abad lands for cultural and tourism purposes, improving the quality of content and activities, as well as infrastructure and background conditions, are crucial. This will enable the complex to fulfill its functional position as outlined in urban, national, and transnational documents. To address the identified challenges, solutions can be classified into two main categories: policy-making, planning, and activity establishment, and conditions, requirements, and supporting fields for activities. Proposed solutions include increasing diversity and functional mixing in the complex, enhancing the role of land in cultural activities (particularly with the involvement of the private sector), providing basic comfort conditions in open spaces, improving information dissemination and reputation building, and enhancing management infrastructures consistent with exploitation.
Conclusion
Improvement of management infrastructure is one of the most crucial steps towards optimal utilization of the complex. Given that exploitation is more important than construction measures with regards to activities of AbbasAbad Land Renewal Company, it is necessary to align the organizational structure, human resources, strategic documents, and legal frameworks of the company to facilitate private sector involvement in the complex. Furthermore, changing the position of the company from sub-committee of Urban Development and Architecture Deputy of Tehran Municipality to Tehran's Mayor Office can enhance the management ability of the company due to its critical role in Tehran city performance. It is noteworthy that the proposed shifting of the company's position does not involve changes in the existing personnel structure and administrative framework, thus avoiding additional financial costs for the municipality.
Urban and Regional Development Planning
behnam pezeshki; Saeid piri; Alireza Estelaji; Hamidreza Sabbaghi
Abstract
The regeneration of public spaces is an integral part of the urban regeneration process. By revitalizing existing public spaces or creating new ones, opportunities arise to enhance the quality of public spaces and strengthen the vitality and social life of cities. The aim of this research is ...
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The regeneration of public spaces is an integral part of the urban regeneration process. By revitalizing existing public spaces or creating new ones, opportunities arise to enhance the quality of public spaces and strengthen the vitality and social life of cities. The aim of this research is to improve the quality of public spaces in Tehran's Velayat Park through an approach to urban regeneration. To achieve this goal, the most significant factors that contribute to urban regeneration have been identified, and a conceptual model has been presented. The Structural Equation Model (SEM) technique, employing AMOS software, was utilized to identify the factors affecting the recreation of public spaces and their communication and effectiveness. This study employed correlational research with library and survey information collection tools. According to the analysis results, among the physical dimension components, beauty had the highest factor coefficient (0.983); among the economic dimension components, justice had the highest factor load (0.964); among the socio-cultural dimension components, meaning and identity had the highest factor load (1.00); and finally, among the environmental dimension components, meaning and cleanliness had the highest factor load (0.671). Removing the comfort component from the other statistical values extracted from the model indicated good and suitable adaptation of the model. The selected components for measuring the regeneration of Velayat Park's public space in Tehran province were found to have adequate validity and could measure the research structure effectively.
Keywords: Sustainable Urban Regeneration, Quality of Public Spaces, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).
Introduction
The regeneration of public spaces is a significant aspect of the urban regeneration process. Through the revitalization of existing public spaces or creation of new ones, cities can greatly enhance the quality of public spaces and bolster the vitality and social life of urban areas. This study focuses on urban regeneration approaches, with a particular emphasis on Velayat Park in Tehran, to improve the quality of public spaces. The aim is to identify the crucial factors that contribute to urban regeneration and develop a conceptual model. The primary research question addressed in this study is: "What theoretical framework and model can be used to achieve the development of public spaces in urban regeneration?"
Litreture Review
In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted on the regeneration of dilapidated public spaces in Iran and other parts of the world; however, significant shortcomings still exist in this area. This section will review several studies carried out in this field. As evidenced by these studies, most research focuses on examining and assessing the regenerated urban space in a specific location or considers only one aspect of urban space quality, such as transportation, environmental or social issues. Few studies have presented a comprehensive model for urban space regeneration. Therefore, the present research introduces a novel approach using structural modeling techniques to develop a replicable model for regenerating public spaces in cities.
Methodology
This research is grounded in the positivist paradigm, given its specific purpose and research question. It falls under the category of applied research, while its methodology is structured as correlational research. The study employs a structural equation model technique utilizing AMOS software to identify factors that impact public space regeneration, communication, and effectiveness. Methodologically, this study involves collecting information from both library sources and surveys.
Discussion and findings
Before performing the SEM, it is important to ensure that the data follows a normal distribution. To achieve this, skewness and kurtosis were assessed using SPSS software, which is considered the optimal method for Likert scale and questionnaire data. Typically, if skewness and kurtosis fall within the range of -2 to 2, the data is considered normally distributed. The analysis confirmed that all variables exhibited a normal distribution.
The present study developed a conceptual model and examined the relationship between urban regeneration and the components of public spaces. The input data comprised four observable variables directly related to recreating public spaces. The model had 12 latent variables and 46 manifest variables, representing a meta-specific model with fewer fewer estimable parameters than data points.
Several indices evaluated the fitness of the SEM, including CMIN/DF, RMSEA, CFI, IFI, and TLI indicators. After verifying the model, two sub-indices, critical ratio CR and P, tested the significant relationships between the components and public space regeneration. Results indicated that there was no significant correlation between Velayat Park's public space regeneration and environmental comfort.
Based on the analysis, beauty (factor loading 0.983) among physical dimension components, justice (with a factor loading 0.964) among economic dimension components, meaning and identity (with a factor loading of 1.00) among social-cultural dimension components, and cleanliness and meaning (with a factor loading of 0.671) among environmental dimension components demonstrated the greatest impact on public space recreation.
Conclusion
The regeneration of public spaces has a significant impact on people's rural life experiences. The dimensions, criteria, and indicators for improving the quality of urban spaces (physical, economic, social, and environmental) play a crucial role in directly and indirectly enhancing the quality of these spaces. The body of research on this topic highlights the integration of factors that influence the quality of public spaces to achieve successful urban regeneration. Thus, the present study aims to identify the factors that affect the quality of public spaces related to the success of urban regeneration, utilizing the SEM.
The study employs a conceptual model derived from theoretical literature in conjunction with the provincial garden of Tehran city, and experimental application of this model demonstrates its efficacy in evaluating the role of components and indicators of public space quality in promoting urban regeneration. The findings indicate that it is possible to measure the indicators of public space regeneration in physical, economic, social-cultural, and environmental dimensions.
In the physical dimension, the components of beauty, readability, and comfort; in the economic dimension, the components of justice, vitality, and economic revival; in the sociocultural dimension, security, sociability, and meaning and identity; and finally, in the environmental dimension, cleanliness and protection components all have a significant relationship with the recreation of public spaces. Based on the results, the effectiveness of each component varies. Meaning and identity, beauty, security, justice, sociability, revitalization, vitality, and comfort respectively have the greatest impact on the recreation of public spaces, despite having a factor loading (regression coefficient) of over 0.7. Therefore, there is a strong relationship between these components and the recreation of public spaces.
Mohammad Lavajoo; Abbas Arghan; Mohammadreza Zand Moghadam
Abstract
The extreme spatial disparity and heterogeneity between Tehran city and other settlements in its urban area have led to a decline in spatial justice and amplified differences within the Tehran metropolitan area. This study aims to identify the key factors that influence the realization of the ...
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The extreme spatial disparity and heterogeneity between Tehran city and other settlements in its urban area have led to a decline in spatial justice and amplified differences within the Tehran metropolitan area. This study aims to identify the key factors that influence the realization of the Tehran Metropolitan Plan objectives in the metropolitan area management system using an institutional approach and meta-synthesis method. A systematic review of scientific research articles published between 1390 to 1400 was conducted, and the meta-synthesis method was used to analyze the findings of 23 studies. The results indicate that the reformation of Tehran Metropolitan's organizational structure is the most crucial step toward institutional change, as per the proposed indicators. At the variable level, the study emphasizes the need for the adoption of a multi-centered development model that aligns with institutional change in planning systems, comprehensive and integrated management of the metropolitan area, shifting towards governance of the metropolitan area, centralization, creating a multifaceted functional network, transparency, accountability, and collaborative efforts.
Keywords: Institutional Change, Institutional Agreement, Meta- synthesis, Majmo-e-shahri Tehran, Metropolitan Area.
Introduction
The approval of the Law on Urban Complexes in Iran dates back more than two decades. It is expected that with the rapid growth of urbanization, the number of metropolitan areas and complexes will increase every year. The urban complex of Tehran and its surrounding cities face several challenges, including the lack of a metropolitan area management system, division and incoherence in the planning system, interference and concentration of the national, provincial, and local decision-making systems, and conflict in the management of urban boundaries.
To overcome these issues and problems, a plan was proposed and approved to organize activities in the general area of Tehran, ensuring the sustainable development of the complex, reducing socio-economic and environmental damage caused by dispersion, disorder, and irregularity in population settlement and activity and land use, creating a livable environment for all residents of the urban complex, and creating the necessary conditions in the general area of Tehran to achieve a worthy position and play a role at the national and international level.
Currently, the institutional structure of Tehran is far from meeting the goals of the urban complex plan. However, this does not indicate the ineffectiveness of the plan. What has complicated the growth and development of urban complexes is the unchanged management structure. Therefore, this research aims to identify the main and influential factors in the realization of the goals of the urban complex plan in the management system of the metropolitan area of Tehran using an institutional approach and finally determining the most critical factor in this field.
Literature Review
In the field of institutionalism and its investigation in metropolitan management, numerous studies have been conducted by scholars such as Farjirad and Kazemian (2013), Asadi (2015), Mokhbari (2016), Sharifzadegan and Kouni (2018), and Mahdizadeh (2017). These studies examine various dimensions of urban management problems from different perspectives. However, effective management of metropolitan areas requires inter-sectoral regional cooperation mechanisms in the form of governance. The studies highlight the significance of institutional changes that have a direct impact on the political economy and social relationships, which play a crucial role in attaining the objectives of Tehran metropolis.
Recognition of institutional theory in urban studies and political science began in the 1980s due to the involvement of multiple actors in urban politics. Several research articles, books, and publications since then have emphasized the importance and necessity of this view. For example, Allmendinger and Tewdwr-Jones (2000), Baker (1998), and Albrechts et al. (2004) discussed institutional restructuring as an organizational model for regional agendas. Furthermore, some studies have examined institutional restructuring within the principles of the new theory of planning, proposing planning principles based on communication planning theory. These include Kim (2012), Camagni and Capello (2013), Hubbard and Kitchin (2011), Tewdwr-Jones (2012), Zhao (2015), Bulkeley et al. (2019), and Newton (2021).
Methodology
The current investigation took the form of a systematic and meta-composite review. The analysis employed an oriented content analysis approach, wherein the indicators of the research model derived from institutionalism's theoretical approach were coded and categorized to extract semantic units.
Results
In the initial phase, the research problem was determined by drawing on prior studies. The researcher's concerns and research questions were established based on indicators related to the topic, target community, and the time period of study. Next, scientific-research articles published between 1390 and 1400 were systematically reviewed, resulting in the identification of 268 relevant works. In the third stage, each article was analyzed according to the degree of direct connection with the research question using a three-stage process.
Following this, all selected articles were coded into 65 semantic units in the fourth step. In the fifth stage, directed qualitative content analysis was employed, with codes organized into two overarching categories: institutional change and institutional agreement. Additionally, five subcategories/indices were identified, including organizational structure, planning systems, new concepts of planning, formal rules, and informal rules. To ensure code reliability and agreement between findings, the Kappa index was calculated in the sixth step. The result of 0.727 and significance coefficient of less than 0.05 confirmed the reliability of the findings, with the assumption of code independence being rejected.
Finally, the findings indicated that institutional change related to organizational structure (21 repetitions) was emphasized most frequently in achieving the goals of the Tehran urban complex. Institutional change in the planning system (15 repetitions) and formal rules to achieve institutional agreements (12 repetitions) followed closely after.
Conclusion
The results of this research indicate a significant emphasis on institutional changes that can have long-lasting and far-reaching effects on the infrastructure of Tehran's urban complex, ultimately advancing the goals of the urban complex plan. Specifically, the reform of the organizational structure is identified as the most critical step, highlighting the importance of the institutional change approach. At the variable level, the results emphasize the need for a multi-centered development model aligned with institutional changes in planning systems, comprehensive and integrated management of the metropolitan area, a move towards metropolitan governance, centralization, the creation of a multifaceted functional network, transparency, accountability, and collaborative efforts. To facilitate the realization of institutional changes and achievement of the goals outlined in Tehran's urban complex plan, it is recommended to form panels and committees composed of experts and experienced urban managers within the policy-making and planning structure of Tehran's urban management. This approach would allow for the development of operational solutions informed by their collective expertise and experience.
Urban and Regional Development Planning
Hamidreza Saremi; Peyman Omidi
Abstract
The city of Tehran has experienced a significant population increase, approximately twenty times, in the last century. Consequently, it is plagued with traffic issues for most of the year. To alleviate congestion, one solution is to shift transportation mode shares from private motor vehicles ...
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The city of Tehran has experienced a significant population increase, approximately twenty times, in the last century. Consequently, it is plagued with traffic issues for most of the year. To alleviate congestion, one solution is to shift transportation mode shares from private motor vehicles to more sustainable modes, as proposed by Transit Oriented Development (TOD). The increasing traffic congestion problems in cities have made applying TOD more essential than ever. This research aims to evaluate, analyze, and plan development within the catchment area of Monirieh Metro Station based on TOD principles. The practical research methodology begins by introducing TOD principles and evaluating the characteristics of the study area according to ITDP standards. The results indicate that the catchment area of Monirieh metro station fails to meet TOD standards. In other words, the city planning prioritizes motor vehicles over pedestrians, suggesting a car-oriented approach.
Keywords: Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Metro Station, Catchment Area, Walking, Monirieh.
Introduction
Transit-oriented development (TOD) refers to the creation of high-density mixed-use developments in close proximity to public transportation stations. Such developments aim to create vibrant neighborhoods with an enhanced quality of life, ultimately reducing reliance on personal automobiles and saving time for residents. While TOD is not a panacea for the challenges faced by modern urban centers, it represents a promising start towards improving the current state of cities (Belzer, 2002).
The growing issues caused by traffic congestion in the country have highlighted the need for TOD. Over two decades have passed since the launch of the metro in Tehran, with further development expected in the future. It is imperative that this infrastructure be utilized more effectively within the context of TOD to enhance accessibility for citizens. Unfortunately, such efforts have been largely neglected in practice.
This paper aims to address the question: to what extent has TOD been implemented in the catchment area of the Moniriyeh metro station?
To answer this question, the first step is to review relevant literature and theories, identify and refine the criteria for TOD, evaluate and measure the criteria and indicators in the area surrounding the station, and finally, plan for the implementation of a public transportation-based development model that maximizes advantages. Ultimately, it is important to strategically plan for the implementation of TOD while taking into account its many benefits.
Methodology
The current research is categorized as an applied study based on its subject and characteristics, specifically the evaluation and examination of development in the catchment area surrounding the Monirieh metro station within the context of TOD. The study is analytical in nature, aiming to introduce the key features of the TOD model through a comprehensive understanding of its principles and by reviewing relevant literature and theories from both national and international sources. Through comparing the indicators of the studied area against the criteria for TOD proposed by ITDP, the desirability of this type of development will be assessed. Ultimately, recommendations will be provided to guide the implementation of this development model.
Results & Discussion
The Moniriyeh metro station received a TOD evaluation score of only 37 out of the total possible points. While it scored optimally in some objectives, it falls short of the main standards for TOD. However, by implementing short, medium and long-term planning strategies, the area's score can be raised to bronze or silver status. The primary objective of TOD is to improve walkability and reduce reliance on cars. As Speck (2018) argues, enhancing walkability and reducing car usage requires attention to four key factors in planning: comfort, attractiveness, safety, and logical design for walking. When people view walking as an enjoyable and practical alternative to driving, they will naturally choose to walk instead.
Conclusion
The present research indicates that failure to adhere to any of the principles of TOD can lead to numerous issues. Neglecting the ratio between residential and non-residential land use in a station's catchment area, for instance, results in longer trips and increased intra-city travel. To shift away from car-oriented development towards human-oriented development, it is essential to adopt a human-scale approach. This entails scaling down designs and paying meticulous attention to details. However, implementing TOD in the current context faces several challenges; including Iran's urban planning system's (M-S-R-G) zoning regulations, which limit catchment area diversity within the metro station.
Urban and Regional Development Planning
Mahsa Ghane; Ali Asgar Abbasi Asfajir; Ali Rahmani Firuzjah
Abstract
Quality of life (QOL) is a fundamental concept in social sciences that focuses on both objective and subjective dimensions. The quality of relationships, community, and shared experiences greatly influences people's success, satisfaction, and overall well-being. In Kermanshah, Iran, city ...
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Quality of life (QOL) is a fundamental concept in social sciences that focuses on both objective and subjective dimensions. The quality of relationships, community, and shared experiences greatly influences people's success, satisfaction, and overall well-being. In Kermanshah, Iran, city crossings have caused physical changes and social resolutions. This research examines the relationship between social capital and QOL in Kermanshah. The study surveyed residents in regions 1, 2, and 4 using questionnaires distributed throughout these areas. Inferential analysis was conducted using SPSS software to measure the relationship between social capital variables (structural, normative, cognitive dimensions) and QOL (objective, subjective dimensions). All variables were significantly correlated within a 95% confidence interval (positive correlation), while primary variables showed insignificant correlation (GIVE A NUMBER INSTEAD OF SAYING AVERAGE LIKE CORRELATION OF 0.5?). AMOS software was used for structural equation modeling to explain the impact of independent variables on dependent variables and associated changes. Results indicate that cognitive social capital has the greatest contribution to changes in QOL.
Keywords: Cognitive Social Capital, Normative Social Capital, Objective Quality of Life, Structural Social Capital, Subjective Quality of Life.
Introduction
The evaluation of the quality of life (QOL) is typically conducted considering two aspects: a set of objective conditions, as well as mental well-being, which was often overlooked in the past. Social capital, through the establishment of a network of connections between individuals and society, provides a range of resources and capabilities that can enhance collective life. However, weaknesses and inadequacies in social capital, manifested as poor quality of collective relations, have hindered the development of necessary platforms in certain areas. This issue has serious implications for the QOL in these areas.
The unique communication situation in Kermanshah has impacted social relations due to interventions and changes in the city's urban area. In addition to physical alterations, transit axes in the old part of the city have disrupted the continuous texture of the old neighborhood, thereby reducing the QOL. Population density has also increased due to migration and birth, leading to disintegration in the urban area and marginal villages, resulting in spatial and cultural changes. Demographic imbalance, lack of physical cohesion, unemployment, poverty, addiction, severe shortages of municipal services, and inappropriate economic structures are evident in many neighborhoods across the city.
Inadequacies in the social, economic, and cultural aspects of Kermanshah have led to an unbalanced set of levels of QOL and forms of communication. The differences in QOL in urban areas in Kermanshah and the lack of comprehensive research in this area, especially with regards to the neglect of social capital as a social dimension related to the state of QOL, have driven us to investigate the concepts of social capital, including structural, cognitive, normative dimensions, and QOL, including objective and subjective dimensions in regions 1, 2, and 4 in the city of Kermanshah.
Literature Review
Social capital refers to the collection of both tangible and intangible resources that arise from enduring networks of institutionalized relationships, mutual recognition, and familiarity. These networks, formed on the basis of shared values and norms, foster social trust and constitute a form of property that members can use as capital.
The self-reinforcing nature of civil partnership norms, which are built on resources such as networks, norms, and trust, promotes cooperation, mutual trust, and social welfare in civil societies. Conversely, in non-civil societies lacking such resources, covenant-breaking, exploitation, mistrust, isolation, and stagnation are more prevalent. Accessing and utilizing hidden social resources within networks can lead to improved social, cultural, and economic circumstances, which ultimately impact both the objective and subjective aspects of QOL.
In essence, true QOL cannot exist independently of relations, relationships, and common social ties and interdependence. These factors provide personal and economic security through protection of citizenship, compliance with laws, and cooperation for the sake of common interests. Social capital provides material facilities that generally enhance the objective aspect of QOL by increasing possessions and resources. However, being part of social networks and experiencing their transformational effects can also improve the mental dimension of QOL. Therefore, it can be concluded that social capital can directly influence an individual's QOL through the resources obtained from effective and powerful social networks or indirectly through its transformation into other essential components of life.
Methodology
The research was conducted by administering questionnaires to citizens over the age of 15 in Kermanshah, utilizing a multi-stage cluster sampling method. The sample size of 384 people was estimated using Cochran's sampling formula for an unlimited population. To gather data, a researcher-designed questionnaire was employed during field investigations. The reliability of the measurement tool was determined utilizing Cronbach's alpha coefficient which yielded a value greater than 0.75 for both independent and dependent variables. Face content validity was utilized to assess the validity of the measurement tool. To examine the research hypotheses, Pearson's correlation coefficient test was run using SPSS software package, while AMOS was used to analyze factor loadings and establish causal relationships between independent and dependent variables, ultimately leading to the development of a model.
Results
In the inferential findings section, results from the Pearson correlation test revealed a positive and significant correlation between social capital and QOL, including their respective dimensions. Notably, social capital demonstrated a stronger relationship with the subjective dimension of QOL. Among the various dimensions of social capital, the cognitive dimension displayed the strongest association with QOL. Overall, the positive correlation observed between social capital and QOL suggests that an increase in social capital can potentially enhance the QOL for residents. Further examination controlling for the variables of education and residence demonstrated that they do not play a role in the relationship between social capital and QOL.
In the confirmatory factor analysis, the structural dimension of social capital had the most significant impact on defining the social capital variable, while the subjective dimension of QOL played the largest role in defining the QOL variable. All factors exhibited suitable factor loads, confirming their relationship with the current variable. The analysis of structural equations revealed that the dimensions of social capital have predictive power over QOL.
Networks that are formed around shared values and norms can bolster social trust and serve as valuable social capital. By having access to these social resources, individuals may experience improved social and economic circumstances, leading to greater satisfaction and overall well-being. A person's social position is intricately linked to their social capital; the more social capital they possess, the higher their position. Membership in networks allows for the distribution of resources, materials, and symbolic benefits, improving people's status. Improving the QOL depends on social relations and interdependence, distributive justice, citizenship protection, and human rights. Social capital leads to enhanced QOL, skills, success, freedom, basic capabilities, general satisfaction, and personal relationships. As a transformative characteristic, social capital can manifest itself in various forms and functions.
