Place identity and residential satisfaction: Differences between native and immigrant populations

Abstract

This research focuses on the concepts of place identity, social identity, residential satisfaction and community participation among immigrant and native populations. Two sample populations were analyzed: 148 Latin Americans and 150 native Spanish residents of Málaga. Comparisons drawn between the groups yielded higher levels of place identity -with the neighbourhood, city and country-, residential satisfaction and community participation among the native population. Immigrants displayed greater place identity and residential satisfaction if they were employed and lived in their own home, in comparison with those renting a property and in unemployment. The length of residence in the neighbourhood affected neighbourhood identity among immigrants, with differences between those who had been living there for the longest and shortest periods of time. Furthermore, in spite of the high levels of neighbourhood identity among the native population, after five years living in the neighbourhood, the differences between natives and immigrants disappeared. In addition, greater place identity was seen to be linked with greater community participation and residential satisfaction.

Validation of a scale to measure perceived residential environment quality in a Latin American setting / Validación de una escala para medir la percepción de la calidad del entorno residencial en un contexto latinoamericano

“…These results might well indicate, in accordance with previous studies (Sam et al, 2012), the lesser importance of spatial aspects when it comes to measuring questions relative to quality of life in residential environments, but they could also point to the need to explore in greater depth which these aspects are and how they affect the bonds established by inhabitants with the contexts they inhabit. This is a key element in processes of urban planning, since residential satisfaction is a highly relevant aspect to improve quality of life in general (Amérigo & Aragonés, 1997); also, greater residential satisfaction is key to greater place identity and higher levels of social participation, encouraging residents to integrate in local social and community life (Ríos & Moreno-Jiménez, 2012).…”

Home is where the history is: How today's migration in Germany is shaped by regional identity

“…In another study, Anton and Lawrence (2014) find that in areas in Australia that are at risk of bush fires, rural residents have a stronger regional identity than do those of urbanised areas. Ríos and Moreno‐Jiménez (2012) compare natives and immigrants in Málaga, Spain, and find a higher place identity among natives at several levels (neighbourhood, city and country). Immigrants identify more with a place if they live there longer or are employed there and own their home.…”

Investigation of the Effects of Applying Social Sustainability Components on Residential Satisfaction

“…Howley et al (2009) believe that it is not only high density per se that is the source of dissatisfaction for residents but rather other related factors such as environmental quality, noise, lack of community involvement, traffic and lack of services and facilities. Ríos & Moreno-Jiménez (2012) focused on the concepts of place identity, social identity, residential satisfaction and community participation among immigrant and native populations. They found that greater place identity was seen to be linked with greater community participation and residential satisfaction.…”