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New Integrative Model of the Quality of Urban Life: A Systematic Review

Author

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  • Raluca Răducan

    (West University of Timișoara)

  • Jessica Lozsa

    (West University of Timișoara)

  • Delia Vîrga

    (West University of Timișoara)

  • Marius Matichescu

    (West University of Timișoara)

Abstract

The study of quality of life has shifted from measuring objective living conditions to debates on human development, ultimately adopting an approach based on subjective indicators. On this premise, we aim to develop a comprehensive urban quality of life model comprising indicators specific to each of the theoretical dimensions proposed by MacLean and Salama (2019) – physical, social, economic, and welfare. The model is designed across three different geographical units of measure on a scale starting from the house and moving to the neighborhood and city. We obtained a taxonomy for urban quality of life indicators and two sets of indicators complying with it: an extended set encompassing all indicators from the 48 studies included in this systematic literature review and a condensed set with only the most frequently used indicators. Additionally, we compiled empirical results to identify emerging patterns among the variables associated with the phenomenon under study. The new integrative model proposed in this systematic review aligns with the requirements of Urban Quality of Life (UQoL), defined as a dynamic, cross-cultural, multidimensional, and multidisciplinary social phenomenon. It addresses gaps in the literature by considering all functional aspects of the environment – physical, social, and economic – along with specific city characteristics, such as urban services and facilities, accounted for at every geographic unit of measurement. Finally, we emphasize the importance of empirically operationalizing UQoL through indicators grounded in rigorous quality criteria. This lays the groundwork for future research on developing a standardized UQoL assessment tool using the indicators proposed in this study.

Suggested Citation

  • Raluca Răducan & Jessica Lozsa & Delia Vîrga & Marius Matichescu, 2025. "New Integrative Model of the Quality of Urban Life: A Systematic Review," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 179(2), pages 895-921, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:179:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s11205-025-03642-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-025-03642-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Musa Pazhuhan & Saeed Zanganeh Shahraki & Niloofar Kaveerad & Sirio Cividino & Matteo Clemente & Luca Salvati, 2020. "Factors Underlying Life Quality in Urban Contexts: Evidence from an Industrial City (Arak, Iran)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Leo Jeffres & Jean Dobos, 1995. "Separating people's satisfaction with life and public perceptions of the quality of life in the environment," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 34(2), pages 181-211, February.
    3. A. Türksever & Gündüz Atalik, 2001. "Possibilities and Limitations for the Measurement of the Quality of Life in Urban Areas," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 53(2), pages 163-187, February.
    4. Sara Habibi & Esfandiar Zebardast, 2018. "Exploring the physical-environmental domains of quality of life; the experience of midsize cities in Iran," Urban Research & Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(4), pages 426-440, October.
    5. Riccardo Abbate & Ornella Giambalvo & Anna Milito, 2001. "Service and Life Quality: The Case of Palermo," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 54(3), pages 275-308, June.
    6. Dagmara Stangierska & Iwona Kowalczuk & Ksenia Juszczak-Szelągowska & Katarzyna Widera & Weronika Ferenc, 2022. "Urban Environment, Green Urban Areas, and Life Quality of Citizens—The Case of Warsaw," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-15, September.
    7. Margaret Westaway, 2009. "Aspects of environmental quality of life that affect neighbourhood satisfaction in disadvantaged and advantaged Johannesburg communities," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(3), pages 447-458.
    8. Michael Hagerty & Robert Cummins & Abbott Ferriss & Kenneth Land & Alex Michalos & Mark Peterson & Andrew Sharpe & Joseph Sirgy & Joachim Vogel, 2001. "Quality of Life Indexes for National Policy: Review and Agenda for Research," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 55(1), pages 1-96, July.
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