| Abstract [eng] |
The aim of this master's thesis is to explore the importance of neighbourhood relations in cities and its effects on personal well-being. There are few studies focusing on how community affects personal well-being in Lithuania. This thesis explores the social relations in Vilnius neighborhoods and Facebook groups dedicated to those neighborhoods, the dynamics of these relations as well as the effects of neighborhood relations on personal well-being and happiness using a three-part combined study of Vilnius residents. In the first part the author presents the core concepts and their differences – personal well being ant its elements, community and neighbourhood. Also a number of studies focusing on personal well-being and happines are presented. Finally, studies supporting the thesis of this work, that strong neighbourhood relations in cities positively affect personal well-being, are discussed. The second part of the thesis aims to show the relevance and importance of this work by exploring the dynamics of urbanisation in the world and in Lithuania specifically as well as changes to relations that happen in city neighbourhoods. It also looks into initiatives aimed at creating strengthening community relations in Vilnius. This thesis claims that strong and positive social environment not only improves personal well-being and provides a damping effect when facing various difficulties and challenges, but also makes the distribution of happines in society more even. The third part presents the methodology and results of a three-part combined study which aims to reveal the effects of neighbourhood relations on personal well-being. Based on the results of the study the main hypothesis of this work is demonstrated and the relationship between good neighbourhood relations and higher evluation of the respondents life is shown. It also reveals the importance of both positive neighbourhood characteristics and neighbourhood relations in cities. A new information source that helps research neighbourhoods by providing a better understanding of the communications and relations of neighbourhoods as well as helping information spread is discovered – private groups on Facebook social network. |
