The Effect of Awareness of Citizenship Rights on the Economic Development of Urban Areas (Case Study: Shiraz City)
Subject Areas : Urban Sociology
1 - Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
Keywords: Citizen Rights, Economic Development, Urban Areas, Shiraz City, Structural Analysis,
Abstract :
Awareness of citizenship rights can have a significant impact on the economic development of urban areas. When citizens are aware of their rights in areas such as transparency, access to public services and protection of property rights, an environment for investment and entrepreneurship is provided that will help grow the local economy. Awareness of citizenship rights leads to the development of infrastructure and improvement of the quality of life, which has more positive effects on the economic prosperity of urban areas. The present study was conducted with the aim of measuring the impact of awareness of citizenship rights on economic development in Shiraz city. In this regard, the research method of structural analysis and pairwise comparison of mutual effects of indicators was used using MICMAC software. The results of the research were presented in the form of tables and graphs output from the software and showed that citizens' awareness of their rights causes indicators such as attracting capital, improving urban access, increasing empowerment and improving public services to have more direct effects on the economic development of urban areas. By strengthening transparency and increasing social participation, these factors provide a suitable platform for the economic growth and prosperity of these areas. In addition, the graph of influence and effectiveness showed that the indicators are scattered on the axis and do not have stable conditions. The most important indicator for the economic development of urban areas is the formulation of laws that provide the possibility of attracting maximum capital with minimum risk. These laws provide a suitable platform for economic growth by creating investment security and reducing obstacles.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
In recent decades, organizations have recognized the importance of addressing the social and civil rights of employees as citizens, as this awareness directly influences their active participation in society (Sheykhzadeh & Ghorbani, 2018). Citizenship rights, which apply to all members of society without discrimination, are considered essential for promoting social justice and development (Ramazani, 2020). Awareness of these rights strengthens individuals' sense of belonging and social engagement, positively impacting the economic performance of urban areas.In the Islamic society of Iran, the significance of citizenship rights is emphasized in the Constitution and current laws, with municipalities playing a key role in raising citizens' awareness and implementing these rights (Abbasi & Rahbar, 2017). However, one of the primary challenges is the lack of awareness among some citizens about their rights and responsibilities, which can lead to reduced social participation and hinder economic development.In this context, the city of Shiraz, with its cultural and economic diversity, faces prominent economic and social inequalities, underscoring the necessity of prioritizing citizenship rights and raising public awareness. This study aims to examine the impact of awareness of citizenship rights on the economic development of Shiraz's urban areas, offering strategies to improve economic and social conditions and help create a more balanced and sustainable community.
Methodology
This research, categorized as applied-developmental, employs a descriptive-analytical approach using the Delphi method. Variables were gathered through library resources and document analysis, and data were collected based on the insights of 30 experts in urban development. Data analysis was conducted using cross-impact analysis and the MICMAC software to examine the relationships among influential variables. This method identifies interconnections and the role of key variables, providing possible pathways for understanding the impact of citizenship rights awareness on urban economic development.
Results and discussion
In this study, through a review of relevant literature and both domestic and international studies on the impact of civic rights on urban economic development, the primary research indicators were extracted and categorized into ten general groups. After defining these components, a survey was conducted with 30 experts in civic rights and urban planning to collect their views on these variables through pairwise comparisons. Thus, each variable's weight was determined, and the average score of each indicator was used as input data in the MICMAC software.In the next step, using structural analysis and the MICMAC software, the most influential and affected variables were analyzed, along with the level of influence and dependence for each. Based on the number of variables, an initial matrix with dimensions of 10 * 10 was created, and the impact level of each indicator on others was rated numerically from 0 to 3, with 0 indicating no impact, 1 a weak impact, and 3 a strong impact. In these assessments, the highest frequency was attributed to a moderate impact (number 2), recorded 40 times, with 90% of the matrix completed.Matrix analysis revealed that the highest influence scores were attributed to the indicators of investment attraction and access improvement, while the indicators of investment attraction, economic empowerment, and urban sustainable development had the most dependency. Furthermore, the analysis showed that investment attraction, urban accessibility, and economic empowerment indicators held the highest influence in the research. These findings suggest that increasing citizens' awareness of their rights—such as freedom of expression, participation, justice, equality, education, healthcare and social services, and the right to adequate employment and livelihood—can facilitate investment attraction, thereby enhancing urban economic development.Finally, an examination of indirect effects indicated that the indicators of investment attraction, accessibility, and urban economic empowerment had the most indirect influence, while investment attraction, sustainable urban development, and economic empowerment had the highest indirect dependence.
Conclusion
This study reveals that awareness of citizenship rights, encompassing aspects such as freedom of expression, participation, justice, and access to social services, plays a significant role in the economic development of urban areas. The main goal of the research was to identify key indicators for improving urban economic conditions through increased awareness of citizenship rights. The indicators were drawn from theoretical literature and previous studies, then assessed through paired comparisons in a survey of 30 experts in citizenship rights and urban planning. MICMAC software analysis indicated that indicators such as investment attraction, urban accessibility, economic empowerment, and public services have the most direct and indirect impact on the economic development of urban areas. These findings assist researchers and policymakers in making more effective decisions regarding urban area development. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of investment attraction and accessibility as primary factors in urban economic development, as well as their role in defining essential risk and target components in this process.
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