Community Views
Pursuing Sustainability by Conserving Cultural Heritage in a Digitalized World: The Cases of Community-based Development in Taiwan
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Ching-Ping Tang
This research discusses how urban cultural commons might interact with civil ecology to contribute to pursuing Sustainable Development Goals in a digitalized world. While many studies point out the potential of digital tools in improving human welfare, literature has also accumulated to discuss their threats to civil freedom or democratic governance by, for example, self-discipline or imbalanced power between information controllers and the governed. By examining the cases of community-based development in Taiwan, this research examines how the above challenges can be managed. It specifies the mutual influence among digitalized governance, civil ecology, democratic participation, cultural heritage conservation, and pursuance of multiple sustainable development goals. By adopting a complex system perspective, this paper argues that the solidarity created by digital means has served as the leverage factor that triggers chain effects in improving many goals simultaneously.
Uncovering the Layers: The Problems Faced by Gentrification in Working-class Areas View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
David Sinfield
Gentrification, a transformative process characterized by the influx of more affluent residents into working-class marginalized neighbourhoods, has increasingly become a focal point of urban studies and social discourse. This phenomenon, while often associated with economic revitalization and infrastructural improvements, carries significant implications for the communities it affects especially the working classes of those areas that have long been part of its growth and success. The impact of gentrification is multifaceted influencing economic, social and cultural dimensions of urban life can often lead to increased property values and local business growth, yet it also frequently results in the displacement of long-standing working-class residents due to rising costs of living. In doing so the process can alter the community dynamics and reduce social cohesion of these areas by eroding the unique character of working-class neighbourhoods, replacing established cultural landmarks with new, often homogenized, commercial entities. Using the Northern seaside town of Blackpool, UK as a basis of gathering and documenting narratives, this paper delves into the experiences of residents in the working-class neighbourhoods of Blackpool, aiming to understand their social, economic, and cultural realities. By documenting the community’s narratives and visual aesthetics, the study uncovers the historical and cultural layers that shape the unique sense of belonging and identity within these areas. The insights gained from this exploration will be translated into artistic expressions, including photographic works and short poem films. The experimental processes involved in creating these artworks is analysed in detail within this paper.
Trend of Perceived Wealth Inequality in Hong Kong from 2002 to 2024 : Looking from Young, Highly Educated and High-income Perspectives
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Kevin Wong,
Victor Zheng
The study examines the trend of objective and perceived wealth inequality in Hong Kong from 2002 to 2024 based on official statistics and territory-wide telephone survey data. Compared with 20 years ago, objective wealth inequality in Hong Kong has increased to a certain extent, in term of household income rather than personal income. The substantial increase in residential property prices is a main cause of the rise in household income inequality. Previous research argued that personal socioeconomic background is correlated with perceived wealth inequality. The study supports this argument and further shows that the effect of personal socioeconomic background on perceived wealth inequality has changed in the past 20 years. Although in general the perceived wealth inequality has not rose significantly in Hong Kong, it has increased significantly for young, highly educated and high-income people. The level of perceived wealth inequality of these groups was the lowest 20 years ago but now their perceived wealth inequality is the highest ones.
Tax Collection Efficiency and the Use of Innovation Practices in the Tax Administration of Local Governments: Evidence from Brazil View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Otavio Cabello
The collection of public revenues by local governments is a crucial factor in the maintenance and implementation of public services and policies. Without obtaining financial sources through collected revenues, public policy expenditures cannot be executed. Previous research in public finance has consistently shown the fragility and limitations of local governments in their revenue-raising capacity, highlighting their dependence on transfers from other levels of government to carry out public services and implement public policies. In this context, local governments must seek solutions to increase their own revenue. In this sense, this research aims to provide local governments with insights to improve their tax administration by offering elements that may result in higher revenue collection. To achieve this, data was collected from large municipalities in the State of São Paulo from 2013 to 2022. Using panel data linear regression, the study examined whether certain innovative tax administration practices led to higher revenue collection. The results show that some innovative practices resulted in increased revenue. This study contributes to the literature by empirically validating certain tax administration practices and provides local governments with insights on how innovative practices can improve their tax administration.
