The Influence of Permeability on Social Cohesion: Is it Good or Bad?

Finding ways to increase social interactions among residents in residential neighbourhoods may be one mechanism to improve health and wellbeing. Understanding environmental conditions of the neighbourhoods can play a critical role in maintaining social interactions among residents. This research is carried out to assess the effect of street permeability on the degree of social cohesion among residents in a residential neighbourhood in Penang, Malaysia. A total of 250 households participated in the study. The findings indicate that permeability can account for a significant proportion of the variance in residents’ social cohesion. Residents living in less permeable streets are more likely to have a high social cohesion with their neighbours. The results further support the defensible space concept which advocates closed and less permeable streets. Implications for future research are discussed.