Research projects

Richer and poorer households are less and less likely to live next door to each other and the social division of cities and the unequal distribution of social participation and integration opportunities between neighbourhoods is increasing. In this context, digital information and communication technologies (ICTs) offer new opportunities for local participation and cross-group interaction. The numerous initiatives for digital neighbourhood support during the Corona crisis impressively demonstrate the potential of these technologies. However, the use of digital services is also characterised by class-specific differences, increasing the risk of digital division and thus exacerbating socio-spatial inequalities. This in turn can have a negative impact on social cohesion.

The project therefore aims to identify the conditions that promote and hinder social cohesion and inter-group interaction in neighbourhoods, with a particular focus on the use of digital communication technologies. On behalf of the Mercator Foundation, a comprehensive study will be carried out in Essen and Cologne using a quantitative-qualitative mixed-methods design. In the first phase, extensive population surveys will be conducted in about 50 neighbourhoods in both cities. In the second phase, the findings will be further explored through about 40 semi-structured interviews. ILS Research gGmbH is subcontracted to conduct and analyse the results of the interviews.

The expected results can help to identify inequalities and exclusions caused by digitalisation, to make future developments more inclusive and to expand urban development policies of states and municipalities to promote cross-group encounters and interactions with digital components.

The project is led by Prof. Dr. Jan Üblacker (EBZ Business School), with additional EBZ Business School staff members Hawzheen Hamad (research assistant) and Tim Raulf and Katharina Guschtschin (student assistants).

For more information, visit the project website at: www.bin-ich-schon.online .

Press releases: https://bin-ich-schon.online/category/pressemiteilungen/

Publikation: Üblacker, Jan; Liebig, Simon; Hamad, Hawzheen (2024): The Medium is the Messenger. A Quantitative Study on the Relation between Social Media Services and Neighbourhood Social Interactions. In: Built Environment 50, 1, 114–132. https://doi.org/10.2148/benv.50.1.114. (online first 01.03.2024)