Human and place relations in gated communities: The case of Mavişehir (İzmir)

In this study, human and place relations were examined in the context of residential mobility and the case of gated communities. Aim of this research was to examine the reasons why people leave a residential area and participate in the residential mobility; housing preferences, socio-economic and demographic characteristics of gated community residents, relationship with their constructered residential environment and satisfaction level within the theoretical framework of place identity and place attachment. Mavişehir located on the Karşıyaka district of Izmir, was selected as the research area. The research was conducted in a sample who are the residents of Mavişehir. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed during field research. Firstly, 225 participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire that includes questions on the socio-demographic and economic characteristics, movement experiences, urban experiences, satisfaction levels of the Mavişehir residents. The Place Attachment Scale of Lewicka (2010) and the Urban-related Identity Scale of Lalli (1992) were also applied in order to measure participants' "attachment level" and the "identity", related to the neighbourhood and the city of Izmir, repectively. Secondly, in-depth interviews were conducted with 23 participants. Questionnaires and in-depth interviews were conducted face-to-face with the participants. Findings were analyzed through SPSS Statistical Package Program. The results are presented through descriptive tables and figures. Then, latent class analysis, χ2 tests, independent sample t-tests and one-way analysis of variance were performed to determine the differences according to various variables.Transcriptions of the interviews were subjected to thematic content analysis. According to answers various categories were created and these were presented in tabular. The results of the research showed that the push factors which have effect on the residential mobility process are; "Inadequate spatial organization characteristics", "Disadvantages of urban life + Inadequate spatial organization characteristics" and " Disadvantages of urban life + Inadequate spatial organization + Social disturbances". Pull factors, on the other hand, include; "Security, Privilege and Spatial Organization", "Security, Tranquility and Spatial Organization", "Tranquility and Spatial Organization" and "Spatial Organization and Privilege". When each push and pull factors are evaluated separately, it was found that the importance attributed to some factors indicate significant differences in terms of variables such as gender, age, retirement, marital status, household size and the ownership status of the house. Mavişehir, which is a gated community area, represents the lifestyle communities. Residents Mavişehir display a homogeneous image in terms of demographic characteristics and socio-economic status (Middle-upper and upper income group, highly trained, core family structure, urban-background population). The spatial satisfaction of Mavişehir residents is very high. Ownership status and household size are predictors of this satisfaction. The meaning are attributed to Mavişehir by residents of Mavişehir is mostly related to the well-organized and tranquil environment, signified through the attributions such as tranquility, green, parks, order, cleanliness etc. The residents of Mavişehir attachment to Mavişehir at high level. The lenght of residence in the neighborhood, property ownership and special satisfaction are the significant variables that affect development of neighborhood attachment. There is a significant relationship between place attachment and spatial satisfaction and residential mobility. Spatial satisfaction and neighborhood attachment levels are determinants of the intention and behavior of moving. On the other hand, the residents of Mavişehir still have maintained relationships with the city where they left behind. In others words, Izmir urban-related identity of the residents of Mavişehir are high level. This identity develops higher level at the dimension of attachment, but it develops lower level at other dimensions, particularly familiarity and past dimensions. Place of birth, the length of residence in the neighborhood, homeownership are affective factors to consist and development of Izmir urban-related identity. Finally, the findings of our research show that gated communities tend to bring both spatial and social segregation in Izmir. The most important factors influencing the preference of Mavişehir indicate this situation. Beyond the tranquility, especially the professional services, security that are offered by these settlements and wants to live with in a homogeneous group which have similar socio-economic characteristics have become important motivations for the preference of gated communities.