Carolien Speller, Researcher
Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Social safety and the presence of knowledge workers - the cases of Leeds and Rotterdam (assigned to theme
The quality and availability of labour is essential for the economic performance and development of urban areas. The factors influencing the attractiveness of a region for high educated workers is topic of many discussions in scientific world and urban governance. Previous studies show the supposed importance of factors like availability of jobs (and career opportunities), daily facilities, affordable and attractive housing, accessibility, cultural facilities like theatre, galleries, festivals, dance events, etc. All factors essentially influence the quality of life in a certain region. However, another factor gaining increasing attention in (political) debates is social safety. This factor is supposed to have a strong influence on quality of life as well. This article examines the relation between social safety, quality of life and the presence of knowledge workers in cities. A qualitative analysis in the cities of Leeds and Rotterdam shows that there indeed is a relation between safety and quality of life. However, the relation between knowledge workers and both actual and perceived safety is not proven.
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