'They are breaking us into pieces': A longitudinal multi-method study on urban regeneration and place-based social relations among social housing residents in Denmark

Abstract

Urban regeneration often intends to improve the physical, economic, and social environment of disadvantaged neighborhoods. However, evidence on the consequences of such interventions on place-based social relations is limited in Scandinavia. This study investigates the relationship between urban regeneration and diverse forms of place-based social relations among middle-aged and older social housing residents in Denmark. A longitudinal multi-method design was applied using data from administrative registers and semi-structured individual interviews. The quantitative results showed small changes in household-restricted place-based social relations, whereas participants in the qualitative sample described the disruption of place-based social relations to negatively affect their well-being.

Keywords: Demolition; Multi-method; Place-based social relations; Relocation; Social housing; Urban regeneration.