Urban green spaces and social cohesion

Green spaces provide numerous environmental, economic and social benefits to residents ofurban areas. One particular notion is that green spaces contribute to social cohesion of urbancommunities. However, the extant evidence for this contribution is patchy and themechanisms connecting social cohesion to green spaces are not well recognised. The aim ofthis thesis is to provide a conceptual framework linking urban green spaces and socialcohesion.The critical literature review identified three hypothetical mechanisms that link green spacesto social cohesion: their role as free and accessible amenities; as social arenas enablinginteractions between people; and as places relieving stress and aggression by providingcontact with nature. These functions were investigated in a multi-method manner with the useof Geographical Information Systems, ecological surveys, questionnaire surveys, focus groupdiscussions and statistical analysis of secondary data. Greater Manchester, UK, was used as acase study area.The results suggest that while green spaces were abundant in the area investigated, theiraccessibility was limited by unequal geographic distribution, problems with physical accessand perceptions of their usability. They functioned as social arenas but this role wasdependant on the presence of recreational facilities, qualities of the neighbouring area andpersonal characteristics of visitors. While contact with nature was valued by users, it was notseen as a priority and intensely managed settings were preferred by respondents.In conclusion, the research identified that a number of criteria need to be met for urban greenspaces to contribute to social cohesion. The results have been combined into a conceptualframework of interrelated social and environmental factors affecting the potential of greenspaces to provide this contribution. The thesis includes suggestions for further investigationsinto the socio-ecological functioning of urban green spaces and provides recommendations forgreen space planning and management