A Child Friendly City and Happiness of Children in Mashhad

علوم اجتماعی دانشگاه فردوسی مشهد

Article 5, Volume 12, Issue 1 - Serial Number 25, September 2015, Pages 143-165   

Document Type: Scientific-Research

DOI: 10.22067/jss.v12i1.22577

Authors

Seyedeh Maryam Safavi Moghadam^* ; Mohsen Noghani Dokhtebahmani; Mohammad Mazloum Khorasani

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Extended Abstract

1- Introduction
Children are known as a linking factor between the past and future generations in any society. Transmission of traditions, cultures, beliefs, identity constructing backgrounds, and, if necessary, modification of the social environment are all possible through children in every community. Theories of citizenship rights for children have been followed since 1990. Most of such research has aimed to give citizenship to children and address their demands and needs. In this regard, initiatives such as the "Cities for Children" or "Cities for Girls and Boys" are defined. The plan focuses on three main factors: a) participatory planning in which children have a key role like others in shaping their environment. B) children's centers which give opportunity to children to shape and fulfill their ambitions. C) giving motivation and opportunity to children for their independent environmental decision-making without the interference of adults.

2- Theoretical Framework
According to UNICEF (2004), today millions of urban children live in extreme poverty and high-risk environments, so municipalities should regard children on top of their decisions . The concept of "child friendly city" deals with how the government should run a city based on children’s interests and represents well known cities in which the basic rights of children, such as health, transport, support, education, and culture are exercised. Accordingly, children are defined as citizens who have rights and have the right to express their views. A Child Friendly City is not only a good city for children, but also a city made by children.

3- Methodology
The method of the research is survey. To measure the dependent variable, we used standard Oxford questionnaire whose validity and reliability have been confirmed by other researchers. Finally, based on the objectives and variables, some additional questions have been added. In this research, face validity is used to evaluate the reliability, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.81 for the dependent variable. The population was the children aged between 9 to 12 in Mashhad, out of which a sample of 250 children was selected.

4- Results & Discussion
Based on the results of the regression analysis, multiple correlation coefficient all the independent variables (the sense of security, belonging to the city, enjoying the amenities, and social participation) have significant impact on the explanatory variables (happiness). These variables correlate with the dependent variable(r = 0.060). The coefficient of determination (R2) also shows that 0.36 of changes in the happiness of children is the function of the independent variables.

5- Suggestions
Attending to the indicators of Child Friendly City related to child-friendly environment, especially in projects with the aim of participation of children and care for their needs and demands, can provide an environment based on the wishes of children with the opportunity to get them to cooperate and assign roles to them, thereby increase social awareness and real participation and creative development in society.

Keywords

Child friendly city; The social participation of children; Happiness; Security and sense of belonging

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