Exploring the Impact of Cultural Identity on the Revitalization Benefits of Rural Communities

Communities are fundamental to national development, functioning as essential social units where local cultural identity and public participation play a crucial role. However, rapid urbanization has led to a decline in interpersonal interactions, weakened community bonds, and increased social divides, which in turn reduce residents’ engagement in public affairs. This study aims to explore the relationship between cultural identity and community revitalization to promote sustainable community development. We will achieve this by analyzing the implementation experiences of two rural Taiwanese communities: Huanan Community in Gukeng, Yunlin, and Chenggong Community in Dadou, Taichung City. Using exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis as our methodologies, we seek to understand how cultural identity fosters cohesion, enhances participation, and supports sustainable development in community revitalization. Our research findings indicate that cultural identity is composed of cultural engagement, cultural belonging, and cultural integration. Conversely, community revitalization encompasses aspects of daily life, life experiences, personal economic evaluation, community industry development, and residents’ environmental awareness. The overall research framework demonstrates that cultural identity has a strong influence on community revitalization, identifying strategies to improve residents’ quality of life and foster vibrant communities.