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Public Opinion and Decision Making in the Community. Evaluation of Residents' Attitudes Towards Town Planning Measures

University of Darmstadt

Christina Thomas

University of Mannheim

The relationship between political decision-making in the community, local public opinion and residents' attitudes are examined with reference to a concrete local political issue in Mannheim (Federal Republic of Germany). This involved town planning measures which were aimed at enhancing urban quality. The focus of interests were controversial plans for an undeveloped area of the inner city. The aim of the study was to investigate the attitudes of residents towards this problem and their psychological background. A quasi-experimental field study in form of a telephone survey was carried out. In total, 200 people were interviewed. In evaluating the development plans, perceived urban quality and identification with the town are important psychological variables. Further results concerning the degree of acceptance and social impact of the plans are reported. Finally, the relevance of social scientific examination for local politics is emphasised which could be used to improve the basis of decision-making in the community.

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