Društveni aspekti kvalitete života u zagrebačkim stambenim naseljima iz socijalističkog i postsocijalističkog razdoblja

Klasić, Anamaria (2025) Društveni aspekti kvalitete života u zagrebačkim stambenim naseljima iz socijalističkog i postsocijalističkog razdoblja. PhD thesis, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Filozofski fakultet.

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Abstract

IN CROATIAN: Međunarodne i europske urbane strategije rješenja za izazove suvremenih gradova vide u poboljšanju kvalitete života na razini lokalne zajednice, pri čemu stanovanje igra ključnu ulogu. Društveno održivi gradovi budućnosti mogu se ostvariti kroz poboljšanje fizičkih i društvenih aspekata života na razini lokalne zajednice, prije svega u susjedstvu i stambenom naselju. Disertacija istražuje društvene aspekte kvalitete života u zagrebačkim stambenim naseljima iz socijalističkog i postsocijalističkog razdoblja, tzv. starim (1945. – 1990.) i novim naseljima (1991. – danas). Cilj je analizirati odabrane društvene aspekte (društvenu mješovitost, međususjedske odnose, povezanost s naseljem, participaciju te javne prostore) kako bi se utvrdile razlike između starih i novih naselja te istražio doprinos društvenih aspekata ukupnom zadovoljstvu naseljem. Istraživanje koristi mješoviti metodološki nacrt – anketne podatke (N=661) i kvalitativne podatke iz fokus-grupa, intervjua u obilasku i promatranja javnih prostora. Socijalistička naselja imaju nešto viši udio starijeg stanovništva, ali struktura stanovništva je u oba tipa naselja stabilna jer su stanovnici uglavnom zadovoljni i ne planiraju se iseliti. Društvena kohezija (međususjedski odnosi i povezanost s naseljem) u zagrebačkim je naseljima na zadovoljavajućoj razini. Stara naselja karakterizira jača emocionalna povezanost s naseljem te jači grupni identitet, dok se u novim naseljima zajedništvo u većoj mjeri temelji na socio-demografskoj sličnosti između stanovnika i zajedničkim interesima. Unatoč promjenama koje donose digitalne tehnologije, u oba je tipa naselja i dalje važna solidarnost i pomaganje među susjedima, kao i boravak i druženje u javnim prostorima naselja. Najveći je izazov za međususjedske odnose zajedničko održavanje zgrade. Razina participacije je u oba tipa naselja niska te većina stanara ne sudjeluje u procesu odlučivanja o svom naselju. S javnim su prostorima bitno zadovoljniji stanovnici starih naselja od novih naselja, dok se sudionici iz oba tipa naselja u javnim prostorima osjećaju sigurno te žele očuvati javne i zelene površine. Najvažniji društveni aspekti za objašnjenje visokog zadovoljstva stanovanjem u zagrebačkim naseljima su solidarnost među susjedima, povezanost s naseljem i zadovoljstvo javnim prostorima te bi se stoga pri obnovi starih i planiranju novih naselja trebala obratiti pažnja na dostupnost i kvalitetu javne i društvene infrastrukture u njima. --------------- EXTENDED SUMMARY IN ENGLISH: Cities in the 21st century face various challenges. To address them, international and European urban strategies emphasise improving the quality of life at the city and local community level, with housing playing a key role. Documents like the New Leipzig Charter envision socially sustainable cities of the future, which can be achieved by improving the physical and social aspects of quality of life in neighbourhoods and housing estates. Quality of life is a complex, interdisciplinary concept that can be studied through multiple dimensions. In the context of Croatia and Zagreb, there is a long tradition of researching the quality of life and housing, which this dissertation builds upon and contributes to. This dissertation examines the social aspects of quality of life in Zagreb's housing estates from the socialist and post-socialist periods, the so-called old estates (built 1945 – 1990) and new estates (built 1991 – present). The first period is characterised by planned housing development of large, well-equipped housing estates with good public infrastructure, carried out by the state. The second period is marked by the transition to market capitalism and the privatisation of housing, resulting in the construction of apartments without urbanistically planned accompanying public spaces and institutions. Since these two types of estates were built under different political and economic systems, differences in quality of life between them are expected. The aim is to analyse selected social aspects of the estates, including social mix, neighbourly relations, place attachment, participation, and public spaces. Additionally, the study seeks to identify differences between old and new estates and examine how these social aspects contribute to overall satisfaction with the estate. To address the three research questions, a mixed-methods approach is used, combining survey data from a sample of 661 residents of Zagreb’s housing estates with qualitative data from focus groups, walking interviews, and observations of public spaces. Regarding the socio-demographic structure (social mix) of the estates, although socialist-era housing estates have a slightly higher proportion of older residents, they are neither demographically nor socially homogeneous, and there is currently no risk of segregation. The population structure in both types of estates remains stable, as residents are generally satisfied and do not plan to move, reducing the risk of ghettoisation seen in some neighbourhoods of Western European cities. This study aligns with other research in post-socialist countries, which highlights social mix as a positive aspect of large housing estates built after World War II. This conclusion also applies to post-socialist estates. The social cohesion (neighbourly relations and place attachment) in Zagreb's estates is also at a satisfactory level. Various forms and levels of neighbourly relationships were identified, ranging from casual acquaintances and occasional conversations to cooperation, socialising, and friendships. Most residents know their neighbours only superficially, and distant neighbourly relations are often perceived as the norm in urban environments. Social interactions are particularly strong among parents of young children, long-term residents, and dog owners, indicating that shared activities can foster closer relationships within the neighbourhood. However, disagreements among residents also exist, most commonly related to building maintenance. Despite the changes brought by digital technologies, solidarity and helping neighbours, as well as spending time and socialising in public spaces, remain important in both types of estates. Old estates are characterised by a stronger emotional attachment of residents to the estate and a stronger group identity (especially in the housing estates of New Zagreb), which was developed through the long-term, multi-generational residence of inhabitants in the estates. In new housing estates, community bonds are primarily based on socio-demographic similarities among residents (e.g., similar family situations, connections through children) and shared interests in preserving the quality of life in their local community and neighbourhood. The level of participation is low in both types of estates, with most residents not participating in decision-making processes regarding their estates. Some of the reasons for the low level of participation identified in this study include disappointment and distrust in the system, as well as a feeling of powerlessness in influencing decisions regarding the estate. Another contributing factor could be a lack of knowledge and education about the participatory process, which, according to the literature, is common in post-socialist countries with a shorter democratic history. Qualitative research also revealed that participation can be encouraged through a strong place attachment and the community's social capital. However, a major obstacle to participation is that local councils, as the main actors at the local level, fail to engage with residents, while council representatives face numerous challenges. Quantitative and qualitative research confirms that participants consider public spaces, especially green areas, essential to their quality of life and wish to preserve them in their neighbourhoods. Residents of older housing estates are significantly more satisfied with public spaces than those in newer estates, reaffirming that green areas are one of the key advantages of socialist-era housing estates. Post-socialist housing estates lack public spaces, but residents of older estates also perceive public spaces in their neighbourhoods as threatened due to excessive construction. According to participants, public spaces in the estates could be improved by enhancing equipment, better maintenance and cleaning of existing areas, and creating enclosed publicly accessible gathering places, especially for the younger generation. Participants generally feel safe in public spaces, which is also a key criterion for their quality that should be continuously maintained and improved. The most important social aspects explaining high satisfaction with the estate in Zagreb are solidarity amongst neighbours, place attachment, and satisfaction with public spaces. The multiple linear regression model confirmed that both the physical aspects of public infrastructure and social aspects are key to overall housing satisfaction in the neighbourhood. Throughout the study, we demonstrate that these aspects are inseparable – public infrastructure is essential for achieving a good quality of life and successful and fulfilling social interactions within the neighbourhood. Therefore, attention should be paid to the accessibility and quality of public and social infrastructure for renewal of old estates and planning new ones. In conclusion, improving public and green spaces, creating gathering places, and preserving good neighbourly relations, high place attachment, and a sense of community are essential for maintaining the existing quality of life in both old and new housing estates in Zagreb.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Additional Information:	Language: Croatian. - Title in English: Social aspects of quality of life in Zagreb's housing estates from the socialist and post-socialist period.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Kvaliteta života i stanovanja, zagrebačka socijalistička i postsocijalistička stambena naselja, društveni aspekti kvalitete života u naselju, društvena mješovitost, međususjedski odnosi, povezanost s naseljem, participacija, javni prostori (quality of life and housing, Zagreb's socialist and post-socialist housing estates, social aspects of quality of life, social mix, neighbourly relations, place attachment, participation, public spaces)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Depositing User:	Karolina
Date Deposited:	21 Aug 2025 14:22
Last Modified:	21 Aug 2025 14:24
URI:	http://idiprints.knjiznica.idi.hr/id/eprint/1222

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