ATSEVIŠĶU DZĪVESVIETU PIESAISTES UN PILSĒTAS IEDZOEVOTĀJU KOPĪBAS SAJŪTAS ASPEKTU IZPĒTE ZVIEDRIJĀ, SOMIJĀ UN LATVIJĀ

The present research work makes a contribution to the studying of social identity, place attachment and sense of community for citizens. The objects of investigation are practical aspects of social identity, place attachment and sense of community for citizens in Sweden, Finland and Latvia. Sociological survey had been used. The most active participants of survey in all tested regions were women at the economically active age (Helsinki, Riga) or retired (Norrkoping). The majority of those, who are living more than 20, 30 and 40 years in the same neighbourhood, live in Riga. The most active people, who participate in local arrangements, are in majority in Helsinki. People mentioned that they participate because they want to be updated on the future plans of their neighbourhoods. Finnish people want to feel the sense of community. Latvian people want to affect the future of neighbourhood and to explore the arrangements for to get acquainted with neighbours. The data might be reflecting common situation for all countries: the economically active people are busy at work. The Latvian data indirectly indicate to low level of communication between inhabitants and local actors or official representatives of municipality. Perhaps, there is a good tradition to participate in different gallops, surveys and people feel results (effectiveness) of those activities there in Sweden and Finland. Riga respondents are not so optimistically tuned on effectiveness of those arrangements. In spite of high readiness of participation in surveys and gallops, people assess their possibilities in neighbourhood development too low (Sweden, Finland). And vice versa, 67% of Latvian respondents assess their possibilities of participating in neighbourhood development more realistic and 10% totally dissent with this. People, in general, want to influence, to improve (if is not yet excellent, suitable, safe), may be also, to be proud of their neighbourhood. In general, there are mentioned all local actors to be important and be involved in neighbourhood development. Finnish respondents of survey highly assessed the role of local associations and local policymakers. Safety was the number one issue in all three cities. It seems that in Norrkoping people are quite satisfied with the comfort of their neighbourhood, and in Riga and Helsinki there could be some room for improvement. Regarding the commercial services the present situation is viewed best in Riga, where 67% of the respondents partly or totally agree with the statement. The question about good sense of community seems to divide opinions in every city. It’s difficult to say, about the underlying factors in each city or each neighbourhood.