Village Residents Research Articles

Strategy and Development of Gomara Nature Tourism, Simonis Village, Aek Natas District, North Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra Province

This research aims to determine the aspects involved in planning tourism areas in the context of appropriate tourism strategies to achieve successful tourism in the Gomara natural tourism area, Simonis Village, Aek Natas District, North Labuhanbatu Regency. The model for finding strategic tourism planning uses the SOAR (Strength, Opportunity, Aspirations and Results) Model, as another alternative to SWOT analysis, this model is a combination of SWOT and Appreciative Inquiry (AI) strategies introduced by Jacqueline M. Stavros. This model focuses on involving all stakeholders and all implementation integrity, to obtain data about Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results to be achieved in determining the strategy and development of Gomara natural tourism. In this research, descriptive-analytic methods have been used, also library data, semi-structured interview methods and survey methods have been used to collect data. The statistical population of this study includes residents of Aek Natas Village, the Regional Government, NGOs related to Gomara natural tourism, Simonis Village, Aek Natas District, North Labuhanbatu Regency and visiting tourists. The research results show that there are great strengths and excellent opportunities for Gomara natural tourism, Simonis Village, Aek Natas District, North Labuhanbatu Regency. To achieve this aspiration. The government, NGOs, investors and, institutional elements, and local communities must have good collaboration to create a comprehensive tourism plan for Gomara natural tourism, Simonis Village, Aek Natas District, North Labuhanbatu Regency. such as: creating promotional strategies for the uniqueness and richness of tourist attractions, holding cultural festivals and exhibitions, designing websites, educating local people to make unique handicrafts as icons.

A cross-sectional study on sanitation and hygiene in rural villages in Southeastern Maharashtra: On our way to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal No. 6

Introduction: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-6 highlights the importance of clean water and sanitation. The Swachh Bharat Mission, a flagship program of the Government of India, aims at ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water, hygiene, and universal access to effective systems for disposing of waste, especially in rural areas; this, in turn, is of mammoth importance for achieving the SDG-6 by 2030. The present study was thus devised to determine the availability of sanitation facilities and assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding hygiene among residents of villages in Southeastern Maharashtra. Materials and Methods: This community-based study used a multistage sampling technique to select study participants. The duration of the study was one month. The study involved 1663 participants. A Marathi-translated version of the pretested questionnaire was used, which enquired about the socio-demographic details, availability of water and sanitation facilities along with questions to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding sanitary latrines, use of footwear, hand washing, and domestic waste disposal. Association of socio-demographic profile with different parameters assessed in the questionnaire was assessed using SPSS software (version 26.0); results were considered significant if p<0.05. Results: The study involved 1663 participants with a mean age of 36.7 years, (SD=12.9 years). Water was available to all the households. All the villages had an open drainage system. Sanitation facilities were lacking in 23 households. Open-air defecation was practiced in 6.9% of the households. All the family members used footwear while going out in 68% of the households. Hand-washing was practiced by 43% of the population. Sixty-nine percent of the study participants disposed of domestic waste in the garbage pits dug in their backyard which was later burnt, whereas 31% disposed of in the surrounding premises. Conclusion: Open defecation still exists. The awareness regarding sanitation, footwear use, hand washing, and domestic waste disposal was better among literate participants. With just a few years left to the 2030 deadline to achieve the SDGs, we must inject a sense of urgency and immediately accelerate our actions at the individual and community levels.

Optimization and Renovation Design of Indoor Thermal Environment in Traditional Houses in Northeast Sichuan (China)—A Case Study of a Three-Section Courtyard House

The three-section courtyard is the most representative traditional residence in the traditional villages in northeast Sichuan. As a unique cultural landscape, it carries the local historical style and cultural connotation. However, the high temperature weather in summer leads to a poor thermal environment in traditional residential buildings, which cannot meet the needs of building users for human thermal comfort, and the wall is the most critical factor affecting the indoor thermal environment. Therefore, to optimise the indoor thermal environment of traditional residential buildings, this study designed four groups of wall renovation schemes according to the original traditional residential buildings and modern technology, and simulated and verified the feasibility of the building renovation schemes by using Design Builder. Then, the four groups of wall renovation schemes were compared and tested based on the Design Builder. Comparative results of the thermal-performance evaluation index revealed that compared with Case 1 and Case 2, the building refrigeration energy consumption of Case 3 in the hottest week was the least, only 427.7 kW·h, which indicates that the external wall renovation scheme using aerated concrete blocks had the best thermal insulation and energy-saving effects. The cooling energy consumption of Case 4 in the hottest week was 422 kW·h, which was 4.3 kW·h less than that of Case 3, indicating that the wall renovation scheme with an air inter-layer had better thermal insulation and energy-saving effects. The refrigeration energy consumption of Case 7 in the hottest week was only 409.8 kW·h, which was 4.19% lower than Case 3 (without insulation material), indicating that the scheme of selecting central insulation and extruded polystyrene board (XPS) had better thermal insulation and energy-saving effects in practical projects. In summary, the above transformation scheme not only improves the indoor thermal environment of traditional residential buildings, but also provides guidance for architectural designers on green, energy-saving and sustainable design.

Labor market in rural areas of Akmola region of Kazakhstan: regional aspect

The goal is to identify the features and determine quantitative parameters of the regional labor market in the Akmola region. Methods – analytical and statistical industry information is systematized and summarized using economic-statistical, balance sheet and abstract-logical methods from open access sources and scientific literature. Results - the features were studied and characteristics of labor potential of the region were given, analysis of absolute and relative indicators characterizing the dynamics of region's population movement was carried out, which made it possible to identify the main trends in its change in recent years. Demographic factors affecting the formation of labor force are shown. The volumes of socio-demographic load were calculated. Conclusions - it has been established that proportion of village residents tends to decrease both in absolute value and in the structure of total number. The main criteria are population migration and decrease in its natural increase. The reduction in the number of economically active residents of rural areas is explained by negative balance of difference between people who have entered active age and those who have retired, as well as migration processes that have their own specifics. It is noted that the level of the region’s labor resources is directly related to demographic development of the given territory. The deterioration of the demographic situation has a negative impact on quantitative and qualitative dimensions characterizing the regional labor market. The youth segment remains rather unbalanced, the areas of employment of young specialists are closely related to low levels of income and labor productivity, the persistent gap between professional orientation of youth and the labor needs of enterprises becomes one of the barriers to the employment of young people.

Transformasi Digital Sistem Pelayanan Pembuatan Surat Keterangan di Desa Cileunyi Wetan

The Cileunyi Wetan Village Office is a village service center in activities such as governance, empowerment, development and counseling. The Certificate Making Service System in Cileunyi Wetan Village is currently still done manually, that is, people have to come directly to the village office on working days and hours. A system like this is not only very inconvenient for officers because they have to input data every time an application is made, it is also inconvenient for residents because they have to queue and wait for a long time. Moreover, if on the day in question the village head is unable to attend/is away on duty, then the service will be delayed. The digital transformation of the certificate making service system is carried out using the object oriented analysis design model Rational Unified Process (RUP) method with the stages of Inception, Elaboration, Construction and Transition. This system was built using website-based PHP language so that it is easily accessed by village residents from wherever they are provided there is internet access. This digital transformation of the certificate making service system was carried out with the aim of optimizing the village service system for the community in the Cileunyi Wetan Village environment who need a certificate from the village according to the requirements mentioned above. The results showed that with this digital system, apart from being able to help make the work of village officials more effective, it can also increase effectiveness and make it easier for the community to submit the certificates they need.

Implementation of Fish Pellet Production Using Palm Kernel Waste in Merangin Village, Kampar

The community in Merangin Village, Kampar Regency, whose livelihoods revolve around fish farming, faces challenges in fish cultivation, especially concerning the use of pellets from factories, which contribute approximately 60-70% to the total production costs. To mitigate these expenses, an alternative solution is proposed by producing fish pellets independently using palm waste available in the village. However, many community members still lack understanding of the process of fish pellet production and the processing of its raw materials. Through the community service program at the University of Riau, a targeted technology transfer effort is conducted for the residents of Merangin Village to empower them in producing fish pellets autonomously. The primary focus of the community service activities is to enhance knowledge through integrated guidance on fish pellet production. It is expected that with the implementation of this program, the people of Merangin Village can manufacture their own fish pellets from palm waste, subsequently increasing income and establishing an efficient and sustainable fish farming venture. The implications of the community service program in Merangin Village encompass heightened knowledge in optimizing the utilization of palm waste for fish pellet production, thereby reducing production costs, increasing income, and effectively managing waste.

Pembuatan dan Pelatihan Pengelolaan Website Desa di Desa Tapango Kabupaten Polewali Mandar

This community service aims to provide training to village officials on how to create and manage websites. Based on survey and interview results, the administrative services provided are still traditional in nature. This is a slow process compared to other villages in the context of rapidly developing technology. Tapango Village residents need faster administrative services via the village website. Village officials' human resources must be immediately strengthened to create and manage this website optimally. The implementation of this community service is carried out through several stages, namely the communication stage, discussing with partners regarding the problems faced, and the next stage is communication with the Head of Tapango Village to explain and ensure that using the website is the right solution, the stage of agreeing on the training schedule, the stage of document design , the preparation stage for implementing training, the implementation stage for website creation and management training as well as the monitoring and evaluation activity stage to measure the success of the training provided. The results obtained from these systematic steps have been able to achieve the PKM objectives as stated above.

Rehabilitation of Toothless Conditions with Dental Implants to Improve the Nutritional Status and General Health of the Terban Village Community

Terban Village is a village that has a significant number of residents who suffer from toothless conditions. This condition directly affects the village population’s nutritional status and general health. This community service aimed to rehabilitate the condition of toothlessness with dental implants to improve the nutritional status and general health of the people of Terban Village. The methods used in this community service were counseling, general health, mental and dental examinations, health utility levels, radiological examinations, and dental implant treatment for the residents. The output of this community service was a counseling session that involved 70 Terban Village residents. The DMFT index of Terban Village residents was 7.47 and was still above the WHO baseline. Five respondents were selected to undergo rehabilitation procedures with dental implants. Rehabilitation of edentulous conditions with dental implants will have a positive impact on improving the nutritional status and general health of the people of Terban Village. In addition, the general health of the population has also experienced improvements, such as reducing the number of cases of nutrition-related diseases and improving the overall quality of life.

Socioeconomic impacts and government assistance in the aftermath of landslides in Mayoon since 2010: A qualitative study on the vulnerable village of Hunza, Pakistan

The primary objective of this study is to assess the socioeconomic conditions of the inhabitants of village and evaluate the level of government support provided to them following the landslide. Additionally, the study aims to explore any changes in gender roles that occurred during the resettlement process. Mayoon is a modest village situated in Lower Hunza that has endured multiple landslides, rendering it susceptible to such natural like avalanches, landslides, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), rock fall and flash floods. However, the frequency of landslides has increased since 2010, between 1994 and 2014, there were 78 floods, 16 landslides, and 8 debris flows. Ten participants i.e., five males and five females were purposively selected for this research. A semi-structured interview protocol was prepared keeping in view literature and personal observations, which consisted of 12 open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Four major themes were extracted from transcribed data namely, post disaster impact on living, resettlement issues, government role and gender role and disaster. It was discovered that most residents of Mayoon village, who were mainly farmers relying on agriculture, suffered from the landslides. The disaster not only destroyed the farmlands but also the cultural such as cultural sites once they gathered for religious activities. Once they gathered to perform their religious activities, the region was devastated by the disaster. Marriages, cultural events, and festivals were celebrated with zeal and zest, but post-disaster celebrations changed the way they were celebrated earlier. Many affected people had to move to different areas for safety, resulting in the loss of social connections among them. Despite knowing the risk of more landslides, most of them resettled in the same village due to unavailability of sufficient land. The local government failed to relocate them to a safer place and is unable to provide services to the affected individuals.

Peningkatan Pengetahuan dan Keterampilan Warga Desa Babakan melalui Pelatihan Pembuatan Cookies Spirulina

Cookies are dry cakes made with flour as the primary baking ingredient. Spirulina platensis was rich in protein, amino acids, glycoproteins, essential fatty acids, polysaccharides, and beta-carotene. Therefore, using sago flour combined with spirulina and seaweed in cookies can increase the nutritional value and produce gluten-free cakes. This training aims to increase knowledge about spirulina, packaging, and product marketing strategies and the skills of Babakan village residents by providing training on making spirulina cookies. This community service activity was conducted by counseling and training on making spirulina cookies in Babakan Village, Dramaga. Counseling activities were carried out to increase knowledge about the potential of spirulina, good packaging, and product marketing strategies, as well as training on making spirulina cookies to improve the skills of Babakan village residents. There were 18 training participants: Family Welfare Empowerment administrators and members. Pre-tests and post-tests were carried out before and after the training activities regarding the topic provided by the speakers. The achievements of the training activities were seen from an increase in post-test results, which was 60% answered correctly compared to only 40% for the pre-test. The evaluation results of the participant's acceptance of training topics and training speakers had an average of 58 to 69%, respectively, perfect. While the participants's assessment of the training facilities and consumption had an average of 50%, they were good.

The playing out of distributional, procedural and recognitional equity and the acceptance of protected areas by local people: Evidence from the Giant Panda National Park, China

This paper examines how perceived social equity (distributional equity, procedural equity, and recognitional equity) affects acceptance of protected areas by local communities. We also consider the consequences of these perceptions on the behaviour of local people in relation to biodiversity conservation. Despite increasing importance being given to social issues in protected area management, there is limited evidence about the effect of perceived equity on local support for conservation initiatives. Questionnaires (mostly face-to-face interviews) were undertaken with 426 households living in and around the Giant Panda National Park, which lies across the Sichuan, Shanxi and Gansu provinces of China. Structural equation modelling revealed that local residents with positive perceptions of procedural and distributional equity were more willing to support conservation and engage in conservation behaviours. Surprisingly, perceived recognitional equity had no effect on acceptance and negatively impacted conservation behaviour. This highlights that, although it is essential to promote recognitional equity, the complexities around this must be considered further. The context (e.g. age, education, village of residence) moderates the relationships between procedural equity, distributional equity and local acceptance. We suggest that, in order to achieve better park-people relationships, in addition to addressing equity concerns, it is also necessary to implement supplementary measures, such as community co-management and benefit sharing with host communities.

Arts-based methods as a critical and decolonising process in global mental health: Reflections on popular discourse, artistic rigour and limitations.

Due to masculine expectations and cultural perceptions, Luo and Busoga men, in their respective countries of Kenya and Uganda, can experience a range of mental health conditions which can lead to violent and problematic behaviours. Over an 18 month period in 2022/23, Masculinities and Mental Health used bottom-up, culturally responsive, arts and health workshops to seek to understand the cultural causes of stress and depression reported by men in Luo and Busoga cultures. The project included a two month arts-based residency in Osiri village, Kisumu County (Kenya) and a four week residency in Walukuba, Jinja (Uganda) working with groups of men to explore definitions of mental health via arts-based research methodologies. This article will present examples from the research whilst critically interrogating the possibilities of arts-based research contributing to an ongoing process of decolonising mental health practices in East Africa. The paper is focused on three dilemmas and learnings that occurred during the project; balancing the relationship between popular and progressive ideas in health care research, the complications of developing the 'art' in arts-based research and the inherent limitations of arts-based research in developing impact. I argue that arts-based research can effectively contribute to wider efforts of decolonising mental health by enabling participatory spaces to explore indigenous knowledge and lived experience. However, such efforts could be advanced if arts-based research engaged with systemic structures which enforce Global North practices and ignore culturally specific understandings of mental health.

Upgrading Pemahaman Aplikasi CAT dan Bedah Tes Intelegensi Umum Untuk Seleksi CPNS

Along with the times, applications on computers are increasingly sophisticated. Knowledge of the Computer Assisted Test method is very important for civil servant candidate fighters who will take the test. After passing the administrative selection, CPNS selection fighters are required to take part in the next selection which consists of 3 tests, namely the Personal Characteristics Test (TKP), General Intelligence Test ( TIU) and National Insight Test (TWK). At this time there are still many people who fail to take the CPNS selection test. One of the areas where there are still many failures when participating in the CPNS selection is Meskom village. Meskom Village is located in Bengkalis Regency, Riau. The problem that is often faced by the community is failure when taking the CPNS CAT (Computer Assisted Test) test, therefore training needs to be held regarding the application used during the CPNS test selection. In addition, this training also helps the community in solving CPNS selection questions, one of which is the general intelligence test. Training and application of the CAT (Computer Assisted Test) application as well as discussion of personality tests and national insight tests as preparation for the implementation of the CPNS test for the people of Meskom village. This activity succeeded in providing a simulation of the use of the CAT application to the residents of the Meskom village, CPNS fighters. In addition, they are also equipped with an understanding of how to answer questions quickly and accurately according to the time available.

Research on the Measurement, Evaluation and Compensation of Traditional Village Residents’ Emotional Perception: A Case of 14 Traditional Villages in Guanzhong Region

Traditional village residents’ emotional perception is a mapping of the man–land relationship in rural areas, which leads to the attitudes and behaviors of the residents. Against the background of previous studies focusing on technical rationality but neglecting the exploration of “human” emotional factors, it is crucial to carry out research on the traditional village residents’ emotional perception to promote people-centered rural development of high quality. The paper selected 123 residents from 14 traditional villages in Guanzhong region and constructs an evaluation index system which includes three dimensions based on the logical framework of “spiritual attachment-functional dependence-developmental cognition”. Next, the questionnaire method was used to collect data and the empirical analysis was conducted using the obstacle degree model and the network analysis model. The research shows that: (1) the overall level of the traditional village residents’ emotional perception is in the middle-upper class and there are significant differences, and there is a non-equilibrium in different evaluation dimensions. (2) The main obstacle to the improvement of the level of traditional village residents’ emotional perception is perception of development, followed by the sense of belonging, and the sense of happiness has a greater supportive role. (3) “Sustainable development of the village” (D-07) is the central node of the network analysis model of traditional village residents’ emotional perception. Meanwhile, the nodes “willingness to live” (G-02) and “basic rights are guaranteed” (X-10) are the central nodes of the sub-networks of sense of belonging and sense of happiness. (4) The residents’ education level and the frequency of community participation have a significant positive effect on their emotional perception level. Finally, the paper explores the dynamic compensation mechanism of traditional village residents’ emotional perception. Our results provide policy guidance for achieving sustainable development of traditional villages.

Abstract P252: Baseline Cognitive and Physical Function and Subsequent Occupational Status in Chinese Adults

Background: Declines in cognitive and physical function in later adulthood can have an impact whether or not individuals remain in the workforce, although the relationship is complex and often bidirectional. Little is also known about how this relationship differs in rural versus urban populations. We capitalized on longitudinal data in an urbanizing population to estimate the differential impact of urbanization level with cognitive and physical function on remaining in the work force. Methods: We used longitudinal data from 5,228 adults in the China Health and Nutrition Survey aged 58+ to assess the association between cognitive and physical function at the 2015 survey with whether older adults remained in the work force, based on self-report of either formal or informal work, in 2018. We defined cognitive function using a global cognitive score based on a subset of the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) and physical function using limitations as measured by instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Given differences in demographics of working status in urban (urban areas or small towns) versus rural villages, we included an interaction term for cognitive function by urban versus rural village residence. In minimally adjusted models, we controlled for age and gender and in fully adjusted models we additionally adjusted for birth cohort, education, region, marital status, and income. Results: In 2018, 48% of adults lived in rural villages and 41% were currently working. In rural villages, we found individuals with any (versus no) physical limitations in 2015 in were more likely to be working in 2018: Any IADL limitations versus no limitations: (OR=0.47 [95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.34-0.65). However, in urban areas, individuals with any (versus no) physical limitations in 2015 were more likely to be working in 2018: Any IADL limitations versus no limitations: OR=2.44 (1.18,5.03). We found no evidence of differential association between cognitive function and subsequent working status in the total sample or by rural village residence in the minimally or fully adjusted models. Conclusion: Physical (but not cognitive) function at baseline impacts future occupational status differently for those in rural versus urban areas which could reflect differences in the types of work being done as well as differences in the availability of economic resources between rural versus urban areas.

Associations between Prematurity, Low Birth Weight, and Residence on the Risk of Newborn Death: A Meta Analysis

Background: Newborn mortality is a global issue that requires serious attention from the world of public health. This study aims to analyze the influence of place of residence, premature birth and low birth weight on the incidence of newborn deaths.
 Subjects and Method: This research is a meta-analysis research using the PRISMA diagram and PICO format. Population: Newborns died. Intervention: Village residence, premature birth, low birth weight. Comparison: City residence, normal birth, normal birth weight. Outcome: Newborn death. Articles were searched using online databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Science Direct. Search for articles using the keywords: "Neonates Mortality" AND "Residence" AND "Gestational age" OR "Premature" AND "Low birth weight". Using articles published in 2013-2023. Data analysis using RevMan 5.4.
 Results: Meta-analysis was carried out using 15 articles with cross-sectional studies from African countries and Ethiopia with a total sample of 17,116 samples. The risk of newborn death increased in newborns living in a village (aOR= 4.17; 95% CI= 2.30 to 7.58; p<0.001), premature birth (aOR= 5.17; 95% CI= 2.87 to 9.33; p< 0.001), and low birth weight (aOR= 2.50; 95% CI= 1.63 to 3.85; p<0.001).
 Conclusion: Rural residence, premature birth, and low birth weight increase the risk of newborn death.
 Keywords: rural residence, prematurity, low birth weight, newborn death.
 Correspondence: Chelsy Sumardi Saputri. Master's Program in Health Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta, 57126, Central Java. Email: chelsysumar­disaputri@gmail.com. Telepon: +6285819861946

Investigating the Co-Management of Natural Resources: Lessons Learned from the iSimangaliso World Heritage Site, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Co-managed protected areas globally provide economic and environmental benefits through an equal partnership with communities. However, the African context of natural resource co-management differs, necessitating further research. This paper examines if the co-management of iSimangaliso World Heritage Site’s natural resources in South Africa leads to sustainable use. Qualitative research was conducted via semi-structured interviews and random surveys were conducted with Khula Village residents. The results suggest partial success with challenges such as poaching, non-compliance, communication gaps and gender differentiation over land ownership. Some recommendations include transparency from the co-management committee with residents, education and empowerment programmes on co-management, and involvement of all residents, including non-landowners in co-management decisions for resource protection.

Pengembangan Ekonomi Kreatif Masyarakat melalui Pengolahan Limbah Kulit Kopi Liberika di Desa Jatimulyo

Coffee pulp is a by-product of coffee cherry processing. It has the potential to be used as a source of antioxidant activity. The dried coffee pulp is commonly referred to as cascara tea, which can be used as a functional drink. The coffee pulp contains caffeine, phenols, and chlorogenic acid that has antioxidant activity. Cascara tea can be fermented into kombucha as a functional drink that contains probiotics. In Jatimulyo Village, coffee cultivation and processing have been developed, but coffee skin waste is not used. Seeing the potential for processing coffee pulp waste into cascara and kombucha cascara tea products can provide added value (value added) to coffee pulp waste. The existence of added value to a product can increase the selling price in the market. The processing of coffee pulp waste into a product that is useful and has a sale value can be used as an effort to develop a creative economy. The results achieved from this activity are increasing the knowledge and skills of Jati Mulyo Village residents in utilizing coffee pulp waste into food products that are useful and have economic selling value.

EDUKASI PENINGKATAN PEMAHAMAN AIR BERSIH DI DESA SINDANGMULYA

The need for clean water is currently very urgent to meet industrial and household needs. Clean water has an important role for health for the wider community, including pregnant mothers. The understanding related to clean water among residents in Sindangmulya village before and after receiving education and training, their understanding of clean water is increasing based on the data list of questions asked by participants with interactive dialogue from questions and answers discussed in two directions proved that there was a significant increase in understanding of clean water both for daily living needs and for drinking water consumption so that they could maintain a healthy lifestyle for their families. Education and understanding regarding clean water is a very relevant program to support the healthy lifestyle of Sindangmulya village residents. Increased understanding of clean water for Sindangmulya village residents is reflected in simple techniques based on clean water quality standards according to regulations that apply in everyday life where residents are very critical of checking clean water before use. This increase in understanding of clean water also indirectly helps reduce unnecessary expenses such as purchasing refillable drinking water and family medication.

Gentrification and Its Variegated Emplacements: The Politics of Microregeneration in Shenzhen, China

This article illuminates the variegated possibilities arising from gentrification by analyzing it through the lens of emplacement. It asks how gentrification can be operationalized and managed in ways that intersect with but also supersede conventional modalities of gentrification-induced displacement, including opportunities for discordant spaces and peoples to articulate meaningful relationships with the city. Analyzing the microregeneration of Nantou Village, an urban village in Shenzhen, China, I show how state-sanctioned attempts to achieve sociospatial integration between village and city ultimately co-opt village and urban residents to coproduce gentrification-induced displacement but also provide an institutional platform for the articulation of alternative collective and individual forms of emplacement. Read from an emplacement perspective, microregeneration appears to be a half-victory. It provides some residents an opportunity to grow symbiotically with the gentrifying city and represents a conjunctural moment in Shenzhen and China’s evolving approach to urban redevelopment. An emplacement perspective complicates the picture of perpetrators and victims in the process of urban redevelopment, contributing to a more pragmatic approach to researching and theorizing gentrification in urban geography.