More walkable neighborhoods are not necessarily better for building social capital between residents

In recent years, many urban theorists have argued that one solution to the apparent decline in social capital in cities is to build more walkable neighborhoods which will in turn enhance neighborhood sociability. In new research, Hee-Jung Jun examines the relationship between walkability and a neighborhood’s social environment. She finds that the relationship is not as straightforward as many have believed, with perceived – rather than physical – walkability being a much more important factor in encouraging social interaction.