Does taking a greener approach to new developments make mixed communities more cohesive?

Abstract

This thesis investigates the extent to which the United Kingdom’s new ‘greener’ housing policy focus can promote social cohesion by examining the case of a new mixed-tenure development known as West Green. The primary focus in this thesis is on the ‘green’ spaces within this development and their role in fostering social cohesion amongst residents. Specifically, this study addresses the following research questions: ‘Has West Green made people greener?' and ‘Does West Green promote social mixing?' By posing these research questions, the overarching aim of this study is to gain nuanced insight into the relationships and interactions between the residents of West Green, with a particular focus on the extent to which people engage in green behaviours and how the development promotes social mixing. This analysis is supported by a Communities of Practice (CoP) framework and Life Course theory.

Varying degrees of environmentally conscious behaviours are established in this study and the nature of these behaviours are contingent on three sub-community types, each with their unique characteristics, identified as part of this research: Transformers, Lifestyle Supporters and Individualists. This study argues that West Green is a CoP, within which these three sub-communities have varying green experiences that can be understood within the context of life course theory. Through the lens of life course theory, this research finds that certain social structures offer residents opportunities to investigate green initiatives from various perspectives.
Further, the categories of residents identified in this study are differentiated based on tenure, suggesting that tenure is an important sociological determinant of green behaviour.

This study also finds that social mixing takes place at West Green primarily through initiatives instigated by the residents through green community initiatives. However, it also establishes that there are variations in the level of engagement and sociability displayed by the three sub-community groups identified. No evidence of conflict was found between residents living in the development, and the research suggests that the amount of green space available, and the fact that residents are encouraged to engage in green and community activities, was a contributing factor. Indeed, it is argued in this study that the green features of West Green provide a common ground between residents who might otherwise struggle to find shared interests that can form the basis of a relationship and enhance social cohesion.

The research findings of this study make important contributions to existing literature, which currently lacks a focus on the links between mixed communities and the increasing social norms of environmentally conscious decision making, particularly in the context of mixed tenure communities in the UK. This thesis argues that although, from a policy perspective, the British government is pursuing an agenda to facilitate mixed communities, both in term of green features and social mixing of new housing developments, there are some lessons that can be learned based on new practice and research to inform this area. The role of green housing development in promoting community cohesion and solidarity is another area that requires further investigation.
 

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ORCID for Pauline Leonard: orcid.org/0000-0002-8112-0631

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