The objective of this study was to understand the contribution of metropolitan community development to the building of civil society.
Based on the social-ecological comparison between the two metropolitan communities (QunYing Li and QunSian Li of DaAn District in Taipei City) through observations, interviews, surveys, and data analysis, this study found out that there were significant differences between these two communities. These differences include interpersonal relations, social concerns and awareness, public services, and community involvement. Basically these differences are inseparably related to the intra-community organizations, resident background, and the quality of public spaces within the community (including open spaces as courtyard and playground, and closed spaces as community center and adult classroom). Because of more conformable resident background, better public spaces, and fully functioning organizations, the building of civil society in QunYin Li is more prosperous than that in QunSian Li.
The background of residents plays a major role in the civil society. The length of residence has a strong influence on resident’s attitude towards social concerns. Elder residents are more aggressive in community involvement. In both communities, more educated residents are more active in public services. Working women have different perception of social awareness depending on their occupation. Housewives’ response towards interpersonal relations varies with the content of the public service.
From the results of this study, it is strongly recommended that the government should expand the scope of community evaluation, and fortify the role of community. Like a mother duck, the government should try to disperse the invaluable experiences from a local area to the whole nation. In this way, more civilian organizations would dedicate their effort to strengthen the functions of volunteer groups in this island.
