In the 21st century, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities. Globalisation, new technologies, mass migration and increasing inequality – the city of the future is not an obvious success. How do we involve vulnerable groups? What role does smart technology play in governing a city? And what will it take for a city to be sustainable and equitable in the future?
This article was written by Jos Nierop from SSH-raad.
We explored these questions with three theme leaders of the Erasmus Initiative Vital Cities and Citizens (VCC) Dr Annabel Vreeker, Dr Julia Wittmayer and Dr Jan Fransen of Erasmus University Rotterdam.
How VCC helps transform cities
The enthusiasm of the researchers was immediately apparent at the start of the conversation. The social structure and culture of cities today is extremely complex – and the many challenges make the topic urgent.
The aim of VCC is to strengthen the quality of life in cities by networking with municipalities, civil society organisations, businesses and the creative industry and sharing knowledge based on scientific research.
Over 30 researchers collaborate from various fields of science, including psychology, sociology, public administration, educational sciences, communication, arts and culture, history and anthropology – in four central themes:
- Inclusive Cities and Diversity
- Resilient Cities and People
- Smart Cities and Communities
- Sustainable and Just Cities
Thanks in part to the Social Sciences Sectorplan and its additional resources, researchers are managing to make an impact on these themes.
Making an impact by setting the agenda
Dr Julia Wittmayer: “…cities are like organisms with various actors, including ourselves as researchers. It is not a given that we make a positive impact, we reflect on that regularly.” VCC therefore first and foremost has an agenda-setting function. The researchers maintain a network focused on sustainability and equity in cities.
They remain in view of various actors, including officials and professionals in neighbourhood teams. They use symposia to highlight specific themes, including climate change and growing inequality – themes that are not always easily visible in busy urban environments.
(Re)mapping Rotterdam
(Re)mapping Rotterdam is an example of an agenda-setting VCC project. The main aim of this research programme is to make an inventory of organisations working on diversity and inclusion in Rotterdam, map the links between these organisations and analyse the dynamics of their interactions and relationships. A subproject consists of organising city walks in the field of diversity and inclusion, to connect social actors and university researchers.
Why residents should also do their own research
Dr Jan Fransen’s research interests include fast-growing cities in the Global South, including Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. In Nairobi, he experienced up close how useful it can be to involve residents in scientific research. After the covid pandemic, he interviewed a woman who spent much of the interview crying because she had been laid off during the pandemic. There was no longer enough money for school and food. Her son left town so less food was needed and her grandchildren had to drop out of school. After the interview, the local community researchers of this study put her in touch with parties who could help her further, after which her life situation improved. By involving residents in conducting research, you put them in a position to help.
Fransen: “…scientific research often still makes too little impact. It is important to stay close to the research population.” What problems do they experience? How can we involve them in the research process? This applies to Nairobi, but also to Rotterdam.
In this light, the transdisciplinary programme Wijkwijs is a good example. Wijkwijs is a programme in which Rotterdammers and scientists jointly set up and conduct research into issues in Rotterdam neighbourhoods on themes that residents themselves consider important. These can be about the quality of the living environment, dealing with poverty and access to care and assistance services. The impact here is more direct than when VCC puts items on the agenda or provides policy advice. Dr Wittmayer’s reflection question is even more important here: what is the influence of the researchers as actors in the ecosystem?
Healthy city, healthy individual
The arrow of Dr Wittmayer’s reflection question goes both ways: the actors affect the ecosystem and the ecosystem affects the actors.
Dr Annabel Vreeker delves into declining mental health among young people. “External resources such as teachers, the neighbourhood and the city, i.e. the ecosystem, can contribute to young people’s resilience,” Vreeker explains. “The green transition in cities indirectly contributes to youth resilience,” she explains. And an increase in social cohesion and opportunity equality can also contribute to young people’s mental wellbeing. From the lens of VCC, the contextual understanding of this challenge is growing. And when we better understand the challenge, we can also better solve it.
SSH-disciplines – including psychology, sociology, public administration, pedagogy and anthropology – are indispensable in mapping these complex social dynamics in cities.
Conclusion
How do we ensure that people can live pleasantly together in cities? Mass migration, digitalisation, increasing inequality and climate change are straining relations in cities. This is a challenge of such magnitude that it deserves more attention.
VCC’s strength lies in agenda-setting and community building, close to citizens and using various scientific disciplines. Today’s complex urban challenges require this transdisciplinary approach.
Dr Annabel Vreeker, Dr Julia Wittmayer and Dr Jan Fransen are working hard for a better urban future for all. Dr Jan Fransen: “The city is there for its people, they are at the heart of everything we do.”
Want to know more about VCC’s work? Check out their research projects here.
- Related content
