Sustainable city

Sustainable city

Identification and Analysis of Drivers Affecting Urban Isolation with a Structural Analysis Approach

Document Type : Research extracted From projects

Authors
Kimia Ghasemi 1
Mohamad Molaei Qelichi 2
1 Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Interdisciplinary Studies Research, Faculty of Encyclopedia Research, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/jsc.2025.488036.1816
Abstract
A B S T R A C T
This research aims to analyze and identify the drivers affecting urban social isolation using a structural analysis approach. The research method is explanatory and applied in terms of its objective. The statistical population consists of the scientific literature related to urban social isolation and the opinions of experts in this field. Data were collected using the Delphi technique. The MICMAC method was used to analyze and rank the factors. This method analyzes the complex relationships between variables and provides diagrams such as the influence-dependence diagram. The results showed that job instability is the most important factor affecting urban social isolation, directly and indirectly influencing other variables. Lack of trust in others, increased divorce rates, social withdrawal, and inadequate provision of social services were identified as other important factors. The findings are consistent with the existing literature on urban social isolation and emphasize the role of personal, socio-economic, and environmental factors in shaping isolation. These factors must be addressed simultaneously to reduce isolation and improve the quality of life in cities. The findings of this research can contribute to enhancing knowledge and awareness about urban social isolation, identifying the factors affecting it, and providing solutions to reduce this phenomenon. This can pave the way for adopting appropriate policies and measures to combat urban social isolation and improve the quality of life of urban residents
 
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Urban isolation represents a critical challenge in modern urban planning, with profound implications for social cohesion, mental health, and quality of life. Characterized by reduced social interactions, diminished trust, and limited access to public spaces, urban isolation undermines the core functions of urban environments as hubs of community and collaboration. Rapid urbanization, socioeconomic disparities, and inadequate infrastructure have exacerbated this phenomenon, particularly in densely populated cities. Addressing urban isolation is not only vital for improving individual well-being but also for fostering sustainable urban development. This study aims to identify and analyze the key drivers of urban isolation using structural analysis, offering insights into the systemic interrelations that shape this complex issue.
 
Methodology
This research employs an explanatory and applied framework, utilizing the MICMAC structural analysis technique to unravel the interconnections among factors contributing to urban isolation. The study integrates a comprehensive data collection process through the Delphi method, engaging a panel of urban sociology, planning, and psychology experts. The iterative Delphi process ensured consensus on the critical variables influencing urban isolation.
Key variables were categorized into three dimensions:

Individual factors, including employment status, education level, and mental health.
Socioeconomic factors such as social trust, income inequality, and cultural shifts.
Environmental and infrastructural factors, including access to public spaces, urban density, and transportation networks.

A structural matrix was constructed to map the direct and indirect relationships between these variables. Expert evaluations quantified the influence of each factor on others, which were subsequently analyzed using MICMAC software. This provided a detailed classification of variables into independent, dependent, linkage, and autonomous categories, highlighting their systemic roles and contributions.
 
Results and discussion
Employment instability emerges as the most influential factor, with the highest levels of both direct and indirect impact on other variables. This factor significantly affects individuals’ economic conditions, mental well-being, and capacity for social engagement. Unstable employment restricts access to resources necessary for participation in social activities, such as reliable transportation or recreational spaces. Furthermore, it creates a cascading effect, influencing community trust levels, increasing social inequalities, and exacerbating isolation. Employment instability also indirectly amplifies the effects of other systemic factors, such as economic disparities and access to services, making it a critical leverage point for intervention.
Another prominent finding is the role of social trust as a cornerstone of community cohesion. A lack of trust among urban residents reduces their willingness to engage in social networks and participate in communal activities. This distrust often stems from broader societal issues such as economic insecurity, inequality, and cultural fragmentation. The shift towards individualism, while promoting personal freedom, has also weakened traditional community structures. As cultural values shift away from collective practices, opportunities for meaningful social interactions diminish, leading to heightened feelings of alienation. This dual role of cultural changes underscores the importance of balancing individual autonomy with communal support systems.
The interconnected nature of the identified factors illustrates the systemic complexity of urban isolation. For instance, employment instability exacerbates economic inequality, reducing trust and access to community networks and creating feedback loops reinforcing isolation. Similarly, infrastructural deficits such as poor public transport or inaccessible services amplify these cycles by physically and socially isolating residents. These loops underscore the necessity of holistic interventions that address multiple factors simultaneously rather than isolated variables.
The findings suggest that addressing urban isolation requires a multifaceted approach targeting both direct and systemic drivers. For example, improving employment opportunities and economic security can mitigate the cascading effects of instability. Investments in public infrastructure, particularly in transportation and public spaces, are essential for enhancing accessibility and fostering community engagement. Furthermore, trust-building initiatives and programs promoting social cohesion can strengthen interpersonal and community relationships, countering the erosion of traditional support systems.
The results demonstrate that urban isolation is not merely the result of isolated factors but a systemic issue rooted in socioeconomic, cultural, and infrastructural dynamics. Effective policy interventions must consider this complexity, focusing on integrated solutions that target leverage points within the system. Urban planners and policymakers can foster environments that support connectivity, reduce isolation, and promote sustainable urban living by addressing employment stability, trust deficits, and infrastructural gaps.
 
Conclusion
Urban isolation is a multidimensional issue rooted in individual, socioeconomic, and infrastructural dynamics. This study highlights the importance of addressing systemic drivers, such as employment and trust deficits, while prioritizing infrastructural improvements, including transport accessibility and public space quality. Effective interventions must target these leverage points to disrupt the feedback loops perpetuating isolation.
The findings provide a structured framework for policymakers to design holistic strategies to reduce urban isolation. By addressing direct and indirect influences, urban planners can foster environments that promote social interaction, strengthen community ties, and enhance overall urban resilience. Furthermore, integrating social trust-building measures, economic support systems, and culturally inclusive policies will mitigate the adverse effects of urban isolation. This study contributes to the academic discourse on urban planning and sociology and offers actionable insights for creating inclusive and connected urban environments.
 
Funding
This article is derived from a part of research project number 4026869, funded by the National Science Foundation of Iran.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Kimia Ghasemi: Conceptualization and study design, data collection, data analysis, drafting the initial manuscript, and revisions.
Mohammad Molaei Qelichi: Software application and data preparation.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.
Keywords
Urban Isolation
Urban Infrastructure
Community Engagement
Quality of Life
Structural Analysis
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Sustainable city
Volume 7, Issue 4
Autumn 2024
Pages 17-40