Addressing Social Revitalization in Conservation of Historic Quarters in China, A Social Capital Initiated Urban Conservation Approach

Abstract

This paper asserts the exigency for urban conservation ideals to address social revitalization in urban China. Based on social capital theory and its adaptations, the proposal is an alternative conservation approach, namely social capital-initiated conservation. This approach highlights the decision-making framework of path dependency, functions of different social capital, and their cooperation patterns and interactions in order to promote social cohesion and collective actions in the revitalization of historic areas. Through a pilot study on the conservation of the Xi’an Muslim District, this paper will examine this alternative urban conservation approach and the potential implications for conservation planning in China.