People's attachment to place, especially in deprived communities

This study by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation examines the attachment that people feel to their current neighbourhood, particularly for those living in more deprived areas. Attachment is generally seen as having positive impacts for both individuals and for neighbourhoods. More recently it has been linked to the regeneration of deprived areas where it is associated with stable, cohesive neighbourhoods and where it is viewed as encouraging resident engagement in the neighbourhood in some positive way. This report examines the extent and nature of place attachment in deprived areas and looks at the impacts of neighbourhood instability and social mix on attachment.

Key Points:
- Place attachment tends to be higher for older people and those who have lived in an area longer, and for those who feel their area has strong social networks or cohesion, and low crime.
- Although the most important factors associated with place attachment are the same in deprived neighbourhoods as elsewhere – people are less likely to be attached in deprived areas than more affluent areas. This difference is mostly a result of weaker social networks or cohesion and worse views on crime or lack of safety in the neighbourhood.
- High turnover can negatively affect place attachment by undermining social networks, and by eroding trust and feelings of safety or security in an area.
- Social mix in deprived areas is not by itself associated with reduced attachment, though rapid changes in mix (particularly ethnic mix) may be problematic although it is not clear whether this is a temporary or more permanent phenomenon.