Why conversations constitute neighbourhood cohesion: A mixed-methods approach to substantiating cause and effect

Communicating is a meaningful practice for building neighbourhood cohesion by fostering a sense of connection, mutual support and belonging among residents of a geographically defined neighbourhood. In our paper, we highlight the role of regular contact and conversations with neighbours for generating neighbourhood cohesion. Following a mixed-methods approach, we combine qualitative instruments from two case studies focusing on neighbourhoods in Hanover with quantitative data from a panel survey conducted in Hanover and Magdeburg, Germany. The residents’ statements clearly show that talking to each other influences their socio-spatial orientation towards the neighbourhood as a point of reference, thus promoting attitudes and practices to strengthen neighbourhood cohesion. Based on these results, the causal model confirms the effect of conversations on neighbourhood cohesion, which is mediated by the factor of trust. Combining the two types of data helps to understand and explain why neighbourhoods are relevant for peaceful coexistence: they enable low-threshold interaction and thus the experience of belonging and integration. It remains open whether and to what extent neighbourhood cohesion can be scaled up, which requires comparisons with other cities and city types as well as different neighbourhoods to identify regional and international differences.