Karien Dekker, Urban and Regional research centre Utrecht, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Socially cohesive neighbourhoods? Analysing the impact of urban governance arrangements in two post World War II estates in the Netherlands (assigned to theme
In Western Europe social cohesion is often seen as something good which can be influenced through policies and planning processes. One of the instruments to reach social cohesion is the involvement of community organisations in partnerships. The idea is that social cohesion can best be pursued when all residential groups are represented and included in the policy-making process. In areas with many different groups including all these groups can be difficult. Often the original white residents are involved in policymaking, while the majority of the residents belong to an ethnic minority group. This article reports an evaluation of the governance process within partnerships, focusing on the position of community representatives within the partnership. The analysis starts from the notion of collaborative planning, focusing on the kind of input that is generated as a result of differences in social backgrounds, values attached to participation, trust in the local government, and the feeling of belonging to the neighbourhood. Issues related to accountability and representation will be part of the analysis. The article ends with lessons for policymakers that aim to enhance social cohesion in distressed urban areas. The results are based on interviews with the parties involved in two partnerships that aim to enhance liveability, safety and social cohesion in two post World War II estates in Utrecht and The Hague.
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