A Sense of Community in Co-operative Housing

Abstract

<p> The purpose of this research paper is to examine the factors that are involved in providing a sense of community to the members of co-operative housing. Also, this investigation attempts to determine which factors influence the successful development of a sense of community within cooperative homes. The research hypothesis for this paper is to show that co-operative housing projects do provide its residents with a sense of community. The study was conducted by using data collected from two co-operative housing units in Hamilton: Apple Garth and Corktown Co-operative Homes. Information on residents' attitudes was collected by using a questionnaire through personal interviews. In order to test the hypothesis two statistical methods were utilized: chi-square and frequency tables. The results showed that co-op as a place to live' and neighbour' factors are most significant when investigating the attitudes' of residents in terms of a sense of community. Therefore, the conclusion is that the residents of Apple Garth and Corktown Co-operative Homes do experience a sense of community. The results have practical significance because researchers are encouraged to conduct studies of small groups (ie. the household) within cooperative housing. This is critical since little is known about the motivations, expectations, likes and dislikes of the members of non-profit housing.</p>