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Perceptions of Quality Life in Hamilton’s Neighbourhood Hubs: A Qualitative Analysis

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  • Jeanette Eby
  • Peter Kitchen
  • Allison Williams

Abstract

This paper examines perceptions of quality of life in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada from the perspective of residents and key community stakeholders. A series of eight focus groups were conducted. Six sessions were held with residents of neighbourhood “hubs”, areas characterized by high levels of poverty. The following themes were highlighted as significant to neighbourhood quality of life: (1) housing quality and affordability (2) diversity and cultural integration; (3) crime and safety; (4) community engagement and recreation; (5) green space and the physical environment, and; (6) transportation. Two focus groups were then conducted with key informants who provided recommendations for improving quality of life and discussed relevant policy issues such as employment and income security. The findings of the focus groups resonate with local research and policy action in Hamilton, including a new Neighbourhood Development Strategy for the City. This research advocates for decision-makers to support and work alongside context-based, resident-led community development efforts. The hub model, as well as Hamilton’s broader neighbourhood-based research and community development approach may assist social researchers, civic leaders and various levels of government across Canada as they work to improve quality of life in their communities. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012

Suggested Citation

  • Jeanette Eby & Peter Kitchen & Allison Williams, 2012. "Perceptions of Quality Life in Hamilton’s Neighbourhood Hubs: A Qualitative Analysis," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 108(2), pages 299-315, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:108:y:2012:i:2:p:299-315
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-012-0067-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Veenstra, Gerry & Luginaah, Isaac & Wakefield, Sarah & Birch, Stephen & Eyles, John & Elliott, Susan, 2005. "Who you know, where you live: social capital, neighbourhood and health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 60(12), pages 2799-2818, June.
    2. Livia Kellett & Lyla Peter & Kelley Moore, 2008. "The City of Saskatoon’s Local Area Planning Program: A Case Study," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 85(1), pages 159-167, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Rishan Berhe & Javier Martinez & Jeroen Verplanke, 2014. "Adaptation and Dissonance in Quality of Life: A Case Study in Mekelle, Ethiopia," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 118(2), pages 535-554, September.
    2. Shehu Muhammad & Maimunah Sapri & Ibrahim Sipan, 2014. "Academic Buildings and Their Influence on Students’ Wellbeing in Higher Education Institutions," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 115(3), pages 1159-1178, February.
    3. Samaneh Khaef & Esfandiar Zebardast, 2016. "Assessing Quality of Life Dimensions in Deteriorated Inner Areas: A case from Javadieh Neighborhood in Tehran Metropolis," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 127(2), pages 761-775, June.
    4. Lardiés-Bosque Raúl, 2017. "Residential mobility, second homes and quality of life: Consequences of moving out from the city of Madrid," Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series, Sciendo, vol. 37(37), pages 51-62, September.
    5. Gyula Kothencz & Ronald Kolcsár & Pablo Cabrera-Barona & Péter Szilassi, 2017. "Urban Green Space Perception and Its Contribution to Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-14, July.

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