Sense of place, subjective well-being, and the influence of housing and neighbourhood: A comparative study of two marginalised districts in Hong Kong

Abstract

This paper investigates the associations between the multiple dimensions of individuals’ sense of place and subjective well-being. The impact of objective and subjective housing and neighbourhood attributes on sense of place was also examined. Using a questionnaire and government spatial datasets, data were collected from residents of two marginalised communities in Hong Kong, Sham Shui Po and Tin Shui Wai. The results reveal positive relationships between various facets of sense of place and subjective well-being that vary in strength in different urban forms. Among the attributes of housing and neighbourhood analysed, housing satisfaction is found to be the strongest predictor of sense of place. The study further verifies the use of a synthesised three-dimensional scale to measure sense of place. It also has important implications for urban planning policies and practices for high-density cities.

Keywords

• Sense of place
• Subjective well-being
• Housing
• Neighbourhood
• Hong Kong