Recognizing the Social Pattern of Place Attachment in Informal Settlements: An Empirical Study of the Al-Timor Neighborhood in Mashhad

Abstract

Aims: Rapid urbanization has contributed to the emergence and expansion of informal settlements, often accompanied by socio-economic, cultural, and environmental challenges. One issue frequently observed in such areas is a weakened sense of place attachment, which can influence residents’ well-being and their long-term engagement in community life. Place attachment reflects the emotional and cognitive bond individuals form with specific environments and plays an essential role in shaping responsibility, participation, and social stability. Given the diversity of ethnic and kinship networks in informal settlements, subcultures play a central role in shaping social relations and everyday interactions, which directly influence how residents develop or weaken their sense of place. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the social patterns that shape place attachment in informal settlements, with a focus on the Al-Timor neighborhood in Mashhad.

Methodology: This study adopts a quantitative research approach. Using a questionnaire-based survey, data were collected from residents of the study area. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and Partial Least Squares (PLS) software to examine the relationships between sociological, behavioral, and emotional dimensions and place attachment.

Findings: The results show that sociological, behavioral, and emotional dimensions significantly contribute to the formation and reinforcement of place attachment. Furthermore, ethnic- and kinship-based subcultures, particularly through their influence on social interactions, demonstrate a notable effect on strengthening or weakening these dimensions.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of subcultural structures and social interaction patterns in shaping place attachment within informal settlements. These insights can support the formulation of urban policies and planning strategies aimed at improving the quality of life and strengthening community cohesion in informal settlements.