Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Placing well-being and participation within processes of urban regeneration

Woolrych, R. and Sixsmith, J. (2013) Placing well-being and participation within processes of urban regeneration. International Journal of Public Sector Management. 26(3), pp. 216-231. 0951-3558.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: Purpose – The concepts of well-being and participation are prevalent in current regeneration policy, being seen as crucial to alleviating disadvantage and marginalisation in deprived communities. However little is understood about how such ambiguous concepts are articulated within urban regeneration practice. This paper seeks to present a reflective case study of research in a New Deal for Communities (NDC) area designed to understand different conceptualisations of well-being and participation in community places and regeneration practices. Design/methodology/approach – The perspectives of regeneration professionals, local residents and academics were revealed through the development of a multi-method and participatory research approach using interviews, observations, video diaries and workshops. An action oriented event aimed at developing overlapping communities of practice was held to engage in active dialogue and develop shared understandings between the resident, professional and academic communities. Findings – Conceptualisations of well-being and participation articulated through regeneration policy and practice between the different stakeholder groups are contradictory. The absence of a shared vision for regeneration and differing expectations of participation can have detrimental effects on both the well-being of local residents and the sustainability of the long-term participation of local residents in the regeneration process. This challenges the recent government approach to creating a Big Society which is underpinned by devolved decision making and the desire for local leadership through realising the potential of communities. Originality/value – The research has helped to create new relationships between residents and professionals organised around joint working and changed practice.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Action research, participation, quality of life, regeneration, social planning, United Kingdom, urban regeneration, well-being
Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General) > R726.7 Health psychology
H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races > HT101 Urban groups. The city. Urban sociology > HT170 Urban renewal. Urban redevelopment
H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races > HT101 Urban groups. The city. Urban sociology
Creators: Woolrych, R and Sixsmith, Judith
Publisher: Emerald
Northamptonshire and East Midlands: Health
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Health and Wellbeing Research
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Group > Social and Cultural Research in Psychology Group
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Institute of Health and Wellbeing > Ageing Research Centre
Research Centres > Centre for Health Sciences and Services
Research Centres > Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences
Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences
Date: 2013
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 216-231
Journal or Publication Title: International Journal of Public Sector Management
Volume: 26
Number: 3
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPSM-09-2011-0119
ISSN: 0951-3558
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/5597

Actions (login required)

Edit Item Edit Item