Do Perceptions of Social Cohesion, Social Support, and Social Control Mediate the Effects of Local Community Participation on Neighborhood Satisfaction?

Abstract

This article investigates the effects of social cohesion, social support, social control, and active local community participation on neighborhood satisfaction among individuals living in Los Angeles County. Utilizing the LAFANS dataset and proportional odds regression models, the authors find that net of individual demographic and socioeconomic status, perceptions of social cohesion, and social control are associated with greater levels of neighborhood satisfaction, whereas perceptions of neighborhood social support have no effect on satisfaction. Furthermore, formal involvement in one’s neighborhood is associated with greater levels of satisfaction only in certain contexts and only for certain types of involvement.

Who is Your Preferred Neighbor? Partisan Residential Preferences and Neighborhood Satisfaction

“…This finding is not unique to the elderly population. Other studies that examine the general adult population also report that a perception of social cohesion, community spirit, better quality-of-life and involvement in community activities are related to higher levels of satisfaction (Comstock et al, 2010;Dassopoulos & Monnat, 2011;Lee & Guest, 1983;Parkes, Kearns, & Atkinson, 2002).…”

Distress in the Desert

“…Neighborliness can reflect both social and behavioral attachments through various activities that range from being courteous to neighbors to collectively organizing to address neighborhood problems (Woldoff 2002). As residents participate in neighborhood activities, they develop a shared sense of community, emotional investment, and positive feelings toward their residential locale (Dassopoulos and Monnat 2011; Guest & Lee 1983; Kasarda and Janowitz 1974). If these feelings are strong enough, residents are more likely to stay and invest in their neighborhoods, enhancing the quality of life by making home improvements or joining with other neighbors to solve problems (Guest & Lee 1983; Larsen et al 2004).…”

Residential Satisfaction On Neighbourhood: Residential Mobility In Malaysia

“…Secondly, neighbourhood interaction relates to a sense of connection and social ties among residents. Some common measures include neighbourhood relationship and sense of trust (Dassopoulos & Monnat, 2011), frequent interaction (Baum, Arthurson, & Rickson, 2010), visiting neighbours (Aziz & Ahmad, 2012) and participating in neighbourhood activities (Van Assche, Haesevoets, & Roets, 2019).…”