The Influence of Permeability on Social Cohesion: Is it Good or Bad?. (9th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abdullah, Aldrin; Marzbali, Massoomeh Hedayati; Tilaki, Mohammad Javad Maghsoodi; Bahauddin, Azizi
• Is Part Of: Procedia--social and behavioral sciences. Volume 168(2015)
• Page Start: 261
• Page End: 269
• Publication Date: 2015-01-09
• Subjects: Permeability -- social cohesion -- road type -- residential neighbourhood; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Congresses; Arts -- Periodicals; Arts -- Congresses; Humanities -- Periodicals; Humanities -- Congresses; 300
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.10.231
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1877-0428

Abstract

Abstract: Finding ways to increase social interactions among residents in residential neighbourhoods may be one mechanism to improve health and wellbeing. Understanding environmental conditions of the neighbourhoods can play a critical role in maintaining social interactions among residents. This research is carried out to assess the effect of street permeability on the degree of social cohesion among residents in a residential neighbourhood in Penang, Malaysia. A total of 250 households participated in the study. The findings indicate that permeability can account for a significant proportion of the variance in residents' social cohesion. Residents living in less permeable streets are more likely to have a high social cohesion with their neighbours. The results further support the defensible space concept which advocates closed and less permeable streets. Implications for future research are discussed.