Analysis of the Relationship between Informal Settlements and Social Exclusion with the Mediating Role of Social Capital in the Metropolis of Mashhad: A Mixed-Methods Study

Ebrahimipour, Saleh; Alizadeh, Katayoon

Analysis of the Relationship between Informal Settlements and Social Exclusion with the Mediating Role of Social Capital in the Metropolis of Mashhad: A Mixed-Methods Study

Document Type : Article extracted from thesis

Authors

Saleh Ebrahimipour ¹ ^¶

Katayoon Alizadeh ²

¹ PhD student in Geography and Urban Planning at Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran

² Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Engineering, University of Azad Islamic, Mashhad,, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objective: The phenomenon of marginalization, as one of the major challenges in Iranian metropolises, not only reflects spatial inequalities but also paves the way for various forms of social exclusion. This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between informal settlements and social exclusion, emphasizing the mediating role of social capital in the metropolis of Mashhad.
Methodology: This research employed a mixed-methods (quantitative-qualitative) design. The statistical population consisted of residents of informal settlements in Mashhad, from which 500 individuals were selected through stratified random sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, and qualitative data were gathered through 20 semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results and Findings: Quantitative findings revealed that informal settlements have a direct and positive effect on social exclusion (β = 0.59), and social capital exerts a significant negative effect on social exclusion (β = -0.42). Furthermore, social capital plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between informal settlements and social exclusion. Qualitative findings uncovered three main themes: pervasive structural deprivation, social isolation and experience of discrimination, and weakness of support networks. Exploratory factor analysis also identified three factors contributing to informal settlements: economic poverty and employment issues, migration and lack of urban services, and lack of legal ownership. The findings indicate that informal settlements lead to social exclusion through both direct and indirect pathways (via social capital). This study suggests that urban policies should focus not only on physical interventions but also on strengthening bridging social capital and establishing participatory local institutions. The results of this research can serve as a basis for equity-oriented planning in similar metropolises.

Keywords

Informal Settlements

Social Exclusion

Social Capital

Structural Equation Modeling

Thematic Analysis

Mashhad

Subjects

Urban Planning

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