Funding Information
No funding sources were used for this project.
Abstract
Where one lives impacts both their physical and mental well-being. Though one’s builtenvironment is an important factor, the perception of one’s environment influences mental well-being. This qualitative study examines what influences residents’ perceptions of theirneighborhood and local governmental efforts to maintain and improve their community. Thisstudy utilized a case study methodology to interview residents, stakeholders, and politicians intwo neighborhoods in a mid-sized urban city in the Midwest (N = 16). This study identified threecore aspects that influence participants' perceptions of their neighborhoods and city efforts tomaintain and improve their community: 1) history with the city; 2) geographic location withinsegregated neighborhoods; and 3) social cohesion among residents. Participants detailed howeach category impacted their experience of their neighborhood. Findings can inform communityorganizers, local governments, and scholars by enhancing their understanding of howperceptions influence the lived experience of neighborhoods and assist in developinginterventions to improve the lived experiences and well-being of residents that are community-driven.
Recommended Citation
Coats, Taylor
(2026)
"Perceptions of Care: An Exploratory Case Study on Residents’ Perceptions of Neighborhood and City Maintenance,"
Transforming Communities: Vol. 2:
Iss.
2, Article 3.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/tcjournal/vol2/iss2/3
Included in
Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Community-Based Research Commons, Physical and Environmental Geography Commons, Social Work Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons