Social Capital and the Built Environment: The Importance of Walkable Neighborhoods

TLDR

The study aimed to determine whether pedestrian‑oriented, mixed‑use neighborhoods increase social capital. The authors surveyed residents in Galway, Ireland, comparing social capital in mixed‑use walkable neighborhoods versus car‑dependent suburbs. Residents of walkable, mixed‑use neighborhoods reported higher social capital, including greater neighbor familiarity, political participation, trust, and social engagement, than those in car‑oriented suburbs.

Abstract

Objectives. I sought to examine whether pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use neighborhoods encourage enhanced levels of social and community engagement (i.e., social capital). Methods. The study investigated the relationship between neighborhood design and individual levels of social capital. Data were obtained from a household survey that measured the social capital of citizens living in neighborhoods that ranged from traditional, mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented designs to modern, car-dependent suburban subdivisions in Galway, Ireland. Results. The analyses indicate that persons living in walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods have higher levels of social capital compared with those living in car-oriented suburbs. Respondents living in walkable neighborhoods were more likely to know their neighbors, participate politically, trust others, and be socially engaged. Conclusions. Walkable, mixed-use neighborhood designs can encourage the development of social capital.