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<p>Although the relationship between leisure and quality of urban life (QOUL) functions as a theoretical bridge connecting individual well-being with societal objectives, the translation of this interaction into state-led spatial interventions remains a chronic challenge, reflecting a deeper tension between institutionalized planning regimes and the organic social needs of urban populations. This study critically examines existing approaches in the literature, arguing that analyzing the connection between leisure and social cohesion in isolation is insufficient. The paper’s central thesis is that this relationship can only capture the multidimensional realities defining contemporary urbanism when discussed within a comprehensive QOUL framework. The study deconstructs the “spatial determinism” fallacy of established paradigms and market-oriented approaches that disregard the “use value” of space. Enriched by perspectives from thinkers such as Harvey, Lefebvre, Jacobs, and Sennett, the discussion illuminates why modern metropolises, despite being opportunity-rich in physical infrastructure, transform into experience-poor environments in terms of meaningful social interaction capacity. In this context, social cohesion is repositioned as a critical mediating mechanism that transforms leisure experience into urban well-being and as a spatial manifestation of the “right to the city.” By systematizing the theoretical fragmentation in the literature, the article proposes a fourfold “Key Issues” framework encompassing: demographic equity, person-centered structural constraints, place-centered qualitative characteristics, and the integrated interaction of life domains (particularly with social relationships). Consequently, the study presents a holistic perspective emphasizing that leisure policies and their implementation tools such as urban planning must move beyond merely providing quantitative facilities (supply) to produce qualitative spatial policies that center residents’ “lived experiences” and repair social bonds.</p>

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Beyond the Physicality of Space: A Critical Review of the Leisure-Social Cohesion Link Within the Quality of Urban Life Framework

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月26日

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  • Tayfun Salihoğlu

摘要

Although the relationship between leisure and quality of urban life (QOUL) functions as a theoretical bridge connecting individual well-being with societal objectives, the translation of this interaction into state-led spatial interventions remains a chronic challenge, reflecting a deeper tension between institutionalized planning regimes and the organic social needs of urban populations. This study critically examines existing approaches in the literature, arguing that analyzing the connection between leisure and social cohesion in isolation is insufficient. The paper’s central thesis is that this relationship can only capture the multidimensional realities defining contemporary urbanism when discussed within a comprehensive QOUL framework. The study deconstructs the “spatial determinism” fallacy of established paradigms and market-oriented approaches that disregard the “use value” of space. Enriched by perspectives from thinkers such as Harvey, Lefebvre, Jacobs, and Sennett, the discussion illuminates why modern metropolises, despite being opportunity-rich in physical infrastructure, transform into experience-poor environments in terms of meaningful social interaction capacity. In this context, social cohesion is repositioned as a critical mediating mechanism that transforms leisure experience into urban well-being and as a spatial manifestation of the “right to the city.” By systematizing the theoretical fragmentation in the literature, the article proposes a fourfold “Key Issues” framework encompassing: demographic equity, person-centered structural constraints, place-centered qualitative characteristics, and the integrated interaction of life domains (particularly with social relationships). Consequently, the study presents a holistic perspective emphasizing that leisure policies and their implementation tools such as urban planning must move beyond merely providing quantitative facilities (supply) to produce qualitative spatial policies that center residents’ “lived experiences” and repair social bonds.