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Searching for Social Sustainability: The Case of the Shrinking City of Heerlen, The Netherlands

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  • Maja Ročak

    (NEIMED Centre of Expertise on Demographic Changes, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Brusselseweg 150, 6217HB Maastricht, The Netherlands
    Institute for Management Research, Radboud University, Comeniuslaan 4, 6525 HP Nijmegen, The Netherlands)

  • Gert-Jan Hospers

    (Institute for Management Research, Radboud University, Comeniuslaan 4, 6525 HP Nijmegen, The Netherlands
    Department of Public Administration, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands)

  • Nol Reverda

    (NEIMED Centre of Expertise on Demographic Changes, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Brusselseweg 150, 6217HB Maastricht, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Shrinkage is a relevant phenomenon for many cities and this trend is predicted to continue in the future. Although urban shrinkage is well recognized in academic discourse, little research has been undertaken on its social aspects. This paper explores the concept of social capital in the context of urban shrinkage and elaborates on how it contributes to social sustainability in shrinking cities. After defining the concepts, we identify resources, empowerment, and participation as key indicators of social capital in the context of urban shrinkage. The paper analyzes these indicators in the shrinking, old industrial city of Heerlen, the Netherlands, based on 24 in-depth interviews with citizens, policy-makers, and entrepreneurs, as well as secondary data. The findings reveal the prominence of three interrelated issues: the importance of local culture, subjective experiences of shrinkage, and a lack of trust between citizens and politicians. We conclude that social capital can facilitate social sustainability in the context of urban shrinkage. However, trust and empowerment are not guaranteed in a shrinking context. In shrinking cities more investments should be made to foster cooperation between civil society and politics and the development of mutual trust.

Suggested Citation

  • Maja Ročak & Gert-Jan Hospers & Nol Reverda, 2016. "Searching for Social Sustainability: The Case of the Shrinking City of Heerlen, The Netherlands," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-22, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:4:p:382-:d:68475
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    4. Agnes Matoga, 2022. "Changing Governance Processes to Make Way for Civic Involvement: The Case of Gebrookerbos in Heerlen, Netherlands," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-16, August.
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    7. Rakhshanda Khan, 2016. "How Frugal Innovation Promotes Social Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(10), pages 1-29, October.
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    11. Ondřej Slach & Vojtěch Bosák & Luděk Krtička & Alexandr Nováček & Petr Rumpel, 2019. "Urban Shrinkage and Sustainability: Assessing the Nexus between Population Density, Urban Structures and Urban Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(15), pages 1-22, August.
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