Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Urban Development Policies on Social Cohesion and Public Trust in the Cities of Isfahan and Bushehr
Keywords:
urban development policies, social cohesion, public trust, Isfahan, Bushehr, public spacesAbstract
This study investigates the comparative effect of urban development policies on social cohesion and public trust in the cities of Isfahan and Bushehr in 2025. The primary objective was to analyze the impact of urban development policies—including public transportation infrastructure, green spaces, and cultural projects—on social cohesion (sense of belonging, social participation, and social relations) and public trust (institutional trust and interpersonal trust). The research adopted a quantitative method using a standardized questionnaire (content validity index: CVI = 0.89; reliability: Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83). A sample of 600 individuals (300 from each city) was selected using a stratified cluster random sampling method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 through t-tests, ANOVA, and multivariate regression analyses. The results indicated that in Isfahan, public transportation had a significant impact on social cohesion (mean = 4.15) and public trust (mean = 3.90), with a standardized regression coefficient of β = 0.47, p < 0.001. In Bushehr, green spaces had a more substantial effect on the sense of belonging (mean = 4.02) and social participation, with a regression coefficient of β = 0.41, p < 0.001. All hypotheses were confirmed at a significance level of p < 0.05. The observed differences were attributed to the distinct cultural and geographical characteristics of the two cities. These findings underscore the necessity of tailoring urban policies to the local context.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Majid Mazaheri (Author); Mohammad Ali Basiri (Corresponding author); Ahmad Azin (Author)
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