Social Mitigation of the Impact of Urban Renewal on Residents' Morale

Residents in the site of urban renewal suffer from its disturbance particularly during its demolition phase. One possible way of mitigating the suffering is assistance from kin and neighbors. The possibility rests on need fulfillment theory, which posits that needed assistance is salutary. To examine this possibility, the study surveyed 437 residents staying around urban renewal sites in Hong Kong. Results lent support to the hypothesized mitigation regarding neighbors' help but not kin's help. Instead, the kin's support exhibited a significantly main positive effect on a resident's morale. Furthermore, quality in neighborhood amenities but not in the residential environment showed a significantly main effect on morale. Results imply the merit of sustaining amenities quality and kin and neighbor assistance for mitigating the demoralizing impacts on residents during urban renewal. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.