Social conflicts and their resolution paths in the commercialized renewal of old urban communities in China under the perspective of public value

Abstract

Constructing a sustainable community renewal model and effectively resolving social conflicts are key issues in urban governance and social stability in contemporary China. This study focuses on the social conflicts arising from the commercialization-driven renewal of the Workers' Village community in Chengdu. Using a combination of case study methods, structured interviews, and participant observation, we explore the public value conflicts and their resolution pathways in the process of community renewal. The study reveals that the formation of public values is a dynamic process characterized by the interplay of multiple value systems, with various public value conflicts emerging in the commercialization of communities. To resolve these social conflicts, it is essential to fully consider the diverse interests of different groups and contexts, as well as the varying public values at stake. By promoting democratization and institutionalization, the different public values that arise from these conflicts can be transformed into a widely recognized value consensus. Grounded in public value theory, this study proposes a social conflict resolution model that transcends traditional approaches. It not only examines the key stakeholders involved in social conflicts during community renewal and the manifestations of value conflicts among them, but also emphasizes the importance of integrating and transforming divergent public values through active dialogue and negotiation. This process, involving multiple stakeholders, follows a trajectory from the aggregation of public values to negotiation and ultimately to value reshaping. The proposed model provides a new governance framework and methodological support for addressing social conflicts in community renewal, offering innovative insights into the integration and reconciliation of public values.