جغرافیای اجتماعی شهری (Mar 2020)
Assessing the child friendly city indicators in Mashhad metropolis
Abstract
Objective: Cities and urban spaces can be either positive or negative locations for children. Neighborhoods must ideally be social places for children so that they can easily state the principles of communities and cultures and exchange them with children. This research aimed to study the status quo and the effectiveness of each of CFC indicators in order to evaluate the life satisfaction in Mashhad, Iran. In this regard, we reviewed the CFC literature. Methods: This is an applied, descriptive survey researh. CFC's theoretical principles and literature were reviewed using the documentary studies. Then, the indicators were extracted and localized using the dimensions stated in the last UNICEF Report (2007) and valid sources in this regard. In the first stage, the status was reviewed by a field visit. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire in order to assess the status quo and the effectiveness of indicators from the perspective of parents with 6-12 year-old children and children in some child-based questions. The statistical population consisted of 13 Municipal Districts of Mashhad, Iran. Districts 1, 6, and 8 were selected as the sample using clustering based on the municipal income in 2014. District 1 represents rich class; District 8 shows semi-rich class; and District 6 represents poor class. Data were analyzed by SPSS. To assess the hypothesis, firstly Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test was used in order to test the normality of the data and then T. test, Tukey test and ANOVA were employed to review the current situation and the impact indicators as well as the gap analysis. Results:The results indicated that the effects of the following indicators were not significant in the formation of CFC in Mashhad: Participation in decision-making, health, education, and culture. According to the UNICEF standards, the results of the status quo also showed that all indicators were ranked medium or medium-to-low regardless of quantitative scale using field observations. The measures were among those for developing and developed countries. In quantitative assessment, all indicators were greater than the statistical standard (number 3) except for Playground and Green Spaces Conclusion: Promoting welfare and healthy city indicators in CFCs requires the participation of all agencies. Municipality as the coordinator between authorities and training and educational bodies can play a key role in this regard. Urban management has come to the conclusion that children are prioritized and municipality is an important part of this element. Without participation, the ultimate goal, which is the healthy society, is not fulfilled.
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