Urban-related identity: Theory, measurement, and empirical findings

Abstract

On the basis of a critical literature review, the following problems are seen to characterize the psychological research on ‘place identity’: heterogeneity of terms and their spatial extension, differing theoretical foundations and fragmented formulations, lack of adequate measuring instruments, and a scarcity of empirical work. This paper aims firstly, to present a systematic analysis of the theoretical traditions of the work on ‘place identity’. Secondly, it uses constructs of medium range in order to systematize theory and research. An example of the latter is presented with respect to urban-related identity. A framework for conceptualizing urban-related identity and identification is developed on the basis of social psychological work on self-concept. The second part introduces a measuring instrument (the ‘Urban Identity Scale’), which offers an empirically useful operationalization of the theoretical considerations presented in the first part of the paper. The findings of different field studies illustrate the advantages of the empirical approach adopted and provide insights into both the antecedents of urban-related identity and its consequences with respect to perception, cognitions and experience of the urban environment. Finally, remaining problems and further implications are discussed.