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Throughout the 21st century a clear shift from hierarchical government towards network like governance is evident in Europe and countries of the former Soviet Union. A door has been opened for citizens to assert their social and political citizenship and for the public sector to systematically search for novel ways to improve and expand representative practices. Estonia may be considered a post socialist ‘market experiment’ as almost no urban land belongs to the public sector. Thus all decisions related to urban spatial changes are strongly influenced by private interests. The situation of ad hoc planning which intensified during the real estate boom of the mid 2000s evoked the mushrooming of civil activism mostly in the form of neighbourhood associations. Current research investigates the roles and efficiency of neighbourhood associations in the collaborative urban governance of Tallinn. The study shows that neighbourhood associations help to reinforce people’s social and political citizenship; however there are still insufficiencies regarding their ability to represent different interests in Tallinn and in their own neighbourhood. We also discovered that Tallinn as a post socialist city is currently in an experimental phase of learning how to efficiently gain from collaborative networks in the urban governance processes.

This research received funding from the following sources: Institutional Research Grant No. IUT2-17 of the Ministry of Education and Science Estonia; Grant No. 9247 of the Estonian Science Foundation; the European Research Council under the EU FP7 Programme (FP/2007-2013) / ERC Grant Agreement n. 615159 (ERC Consolidator Grant DEPRIVEDHOODS, Socio-spatial inequality, deprived neighbourhoods, and neighbourhood effects), the Marie Curie programme under the EU FP7 Programme (FP/2007-2013) / Career Integration Grant n. PCIG10-GA-2011-303728 (CIG Grant NBHCHOICE, Neighbourhood choice, neighbourhood sorting, and neighbourhood effects). Background : Most studies of the ethnic composition of destination neighbourhoods after residential moves do not take into account the types of moves people have made. However, from an individual perspective, different types of moves may result in neighbourhood environments which differ in terms of their ethnic composition from those in which the individuals previously lived. Objective : We investigate how the ethnic residential context changes for individuals as a result of different types of mobility (immobility, intra-urban mobility, suburbanisation, and long-distance migration) for residents of the segregated post-Soviet city of Tallinn. We compare the extent to which Estonian and Russian speakers integrate in residential terms. Methods : Using unique longitudinal Census data (2000-2011) we tracked changes in the individual ethnic residential context of both groups. Results : We found that the moving destinations of Estonian and Russian speakers diverge. When Estonians move, their new neighbourhood generally possesses a lower percentage of Russian speakers compared with when Russian speakers move, as well as compared with their previous neighbourhoods. For Russian speakers, the percentage of other Russian speakers in their residential surroundings decreases only for those who move to the rural suburbs or who move over longer distances to rural villages. Contribution : By applying a novel approach of tracking the changes in the ethnic residential context of individuals for all mobility types, we were able to demonstrate that the two largest ethnolinguistic groups in Estonia tend to behave as ‘parallel populations’ and that residential integration remains slow. Publisher PDF

Analysis of how urban diversity and policies and arrangements affect different population groups living in Tallinn in terms of social cohesion and social mobility.

Most studies of the ethnic composition of destination neighbourhoods after residential moves do not take into account the types of moves people have made. However, from an individual perspective, different types of moves may result in neighbourhood environments that differ in terms of their ethnic composition from those in which individuals previously lived. We investigate how the ethnic residential context changes for individuals as a result of different types of mobility (immobility, intra-urban mobility, suburbanisation, and long-distance migration) for residents of the segregated post-Soviet city of Tallinn. We compare the extent to which Estonian- and Russian-speakers integrate in residential terms. Using unique longitudinal Census data (2000-2011) we tracked changes in the individual ethnic residential context of both groups. We found that the moving destinations of Estonian- and Russian-speakers diverge. When Estonians move, their new neighbourhood generally possesses a lower percentage of Russian-speakers compared with when Russian-speakers move, as well as compared with their previous neighbourhoods. For Russian-speakers, the percentage of other Russian-speakers in their residential surroundings decreases only for those who move to the surburbs or who move over longer distances to rural villages. By applying a novel approach of tracking the changes in the ethnic residential context of individuals for all mobility types, we were able to demonstrate that the two largest ethnolinguistic groups in Estonia tend to behave as 'parallel populations' and that residential integration in Estonia is therefore slow.

Analysis of local governance arrangements and initiatives in Tallinn, Estonia that target social cohesion, social mobility and economic performance.

Critical analysis of existing urban policy programmes and discourses in Tallinn, Estonia. Includes overview of political systems and governance structures, key shifts in national discourses, and approaches to policy over migration, citizenship, and diversity.

Large scale suburbanisation is a relatively recent phenomenon in East Central Europe and responsible for major socio-spatial changes in metropolitan areas. Little is known about the ethnic dimensions of this process. However, large minority population groups, mainly ethnic Russians, remained into the former member states of the Soviet Union after its dissolution in 1991. We use individual level Estonia Census data in order to investigate the ethnic dimensions of suburbanisation. The results show that ethnic minorities have a considerably lower probability to suburbanise compared to the majority population, and minorities are less likely to move to rural municipalities - the main sites of suburban change - in the suburban ring of cities. Individual characteristics that measure strong ties with the majority population and host society exert a positive effect on ethnic minority suburbanization, and on settling in rural municipalities.

Large scale suburbanisation is a relatively recent phenomenon in East Central Europe and responsible for major socio-spatial changes in metropolitan areas. Little is known about the ethnic dimensions of this process. However, large minority population groups, mainly ethnic Russians, remained into the former member states of the Soviet Union after its dissolution in 1991. We use individual level Estonia Census data in order to investigate the ethnic dimensions of suburbanisation. The results show that ethnic minorities have a considerably lower probability to suburbanise compared to the majority population, and minorities are less likely to move to rural municipalities – the main sites of suburban change – in the suburban ring of cities. Individual characteristics that measure strong ties with the majority population and host society exert a positive effect on ethnic minority suburbanization, and on settling in rural municipalities.

This book is one of the outcomes of the DIVERCITIES project. It focuses on the question of how to create social cohesion, social mobility and economic performance in today’s hyper-diversified cities. The project’s central hypothesis is that urban diversity is an asset; it can inspire creativity, innovation and make cities more liveable and harmonious. To ensure a more intelligent use of diversity’s potential, a re-thinking of public policies and governance models is needed.

Analysis of how urban diversity and policies and arrangements with respect to urban diversity affect different population groups living in cities in terms of economic performance and to clarify who (which social groups) profit and how they profit.

Master’s Thesis Environmental Governance and Adaptation to Climate Change Major depression is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders, which symptoms include lowered mood, energy, and anhedonia. Research on psychological variables, green and blue spaces, and weather variables have all shown promising results in reducing depression symptoms. Even though there is no clear indication of which has the most significant effect on depression symptoms. This master thesis aims to combine personspecific, environmental, and weather variables to compare which of the three shows the highest effect on depression symptoms. Three wave samples, mainly collected in January 2021, May 2021 and January 2022, consisting of 2339 participants (M=847, F=1492), were analysed. Five linear regression and correlation analysis results indicate that person-specific variables outperformed environmental and weather variables, as none of the environmental and weather variables could predict depression symptoms significantly. More emotion regulation difficulties and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, high neuroticism, and low extraversion lead to more depression symptoms. Data waves differed from each other, as each wave presented a new highest predictor. In the January 2021 model more emotion regulation difficulties, the May 2021 model more post-traumatic stress symptoms, and the January 2022 model high neuroticism displayed the most substantial effect on depression symptoms. This master thesis’ results suggest focusing on person-specific variables rather than changing home address nearer to a blue area or an area with higher vegetation cover or tree height to affect depression symptoms. Future research should aim to collect and analyse data in an area with less green and blue areas to see if results are replicable. Depressioon on üks sagedamini esinevaid vaimseid häireid, mille sümptomid väljenduvad alanenud meeleolus, energiatasemes ning anhedoonias. Eelnevalt avaldatud artiklid sini- ja rohealade ning ilmaandmete kohta seostavad keskkonnategureid kõrgema heaolu ning vähemate depressiooni sümptomitega. Sellegipoolest ei ole teada, kas inimesepõhised, keskkonna- või ilmatunnused mõjutavad vaimset tervist enim. Selle magistritöö eesmärk on kaasata nii inimesepõhised, keskkonna- ja ilmaandmed, et võrrelda nende efekti depressiooni sümtomitele. 2021. aasta jaanuaris ja mais, ning 2022. aasta jaanuaris toimunud kolmes andmekogumislaines osales kõikides lainetes 2339 vastajat (M= 847, N=1492). Andmetel viidi läbi lineaarne regressioonanalüüs ning korrelatsioonanalüüs, mille tulemustest selgus, et inimesekesksed muutujad olid selgelt paremad depressiooni sümptomite ennustajad. Keskkonna- ja ilmamuutujad ei ennustanud depressiooni sümptomeid. Rohkemad emotsiooni regulatsiooni raskused, enam post-traumaatilise stresshäire sümptomeid, kõrge neurootilisus ja madal ekstravertsus viisid enamate depressiooni sümptomiteni. Andmelained erinesid omavahel, kuna kõigis kerkis esile uus tugevaim depressiooni sümptomite ennustaja. Jaanuar 2021 mudelis oli emotsiooni regulatsiooni raskuste, Mai 2021 mudelis post-traumaatilise stresshäire sümptomite ning Jaanuar 2022 mudelis kõrge neurootilisus olulisim depressiooni sümptomite selgitaja. Magistritöö tulemuste põhjal on depressiooni sümptomaatika alandamiseks olulisem keskenduda inimesekesksete tegurite muutmisele kui rohe-või siniala lähedal paiknevasse kohta kolimisele. Tulevased uuringud vähema sini- või rohealaga piirkonnas annaksid ülevaate, kas tulemused saavad kinnitust ka teistsugustes loodustingimustes.

https://www.ester.ee/record=b5370941*est

Väitekirja elektrooniline versioon ei sisalda publikatsioone, Doktoritöö eesmärgiks on portreteerida Eesti ruumilise planeerimise teoreetilist kontseptsiooni, uurides muutusi planeerija rollis. Ma vaatlen planeerijate ülesandeid, otsustusõigust ja võimu, samuti professionaalseid oskusi. Eesti ruumilise planeerimise teoreetilise raamistikuna pakun välja loova pragmatismi, mis aitab mõista planeerijatele esitatavate ootuste laiemat konteksti. Analüüsin planeerija rolli ja pragmatismi ilminguid Kesk- ja Ida-Euroopale ning Eestile iseloomulike ruumiliste nähtuste, suvilaalade ja paneelelamurajoonide, näitel. Sotsialistliku ruumiplaneerimise ehedate näidetena peegeldub nende alade arenguloos meie sotsiaal-kultuuriline pärandit. Sealsete eripäraste elukeskkondade kujunemislugu aitab avada planeerija rolli erinevatel tasanditel., The aim of this research is to establish a theoretical concept for spatial planning in Estonia and examine the role of planners in the society. I concentrate on summer house settlements - “summurbia” - and large socialist housing estates which are two characteristic spatial phenomena specific to the Central and Eastern Europe and Estonia. As vivid examples of the legacy of socialist spatial planning, these areas reflect clearly the socio-cultural background of the Soviet Era and are thus uniquely suitable objects for studying planning theory and practice. The evolution of these distinct living environments exposes the role of a planner on multiple levels. I study the tasks assigned to planners and the powers seized by them, the opportunities they sought and skills they needed in their professional activities. I propose pragmatism as the theoretical framework underlying Estonian planning and explore the wider context of expectations for planners., https://www.ester.ee/record=b5250529~S1

Väitekirja elektrooniline versioon ei sisalda publikatsioone, Käesolev doktoritöö keskendub venekeelse elanikkonna elukohasegregatsioonile ja integratsioonile Eestis. Eesti on näide endisest Nõukogude Liidu osast, kuhu sotsialismiperioodil toimunud sisserände järel jäi 1990. aastate alguseks elama arvukas peamiselt venekeelne immigrantrahvastik. Kuna sisserändajad asusid saabudes elama kindlatesse piirkondadesse ja linnades kindlatesse linnaosadesse, siis paiknes siinne immigrantrahvastik üleminekuaja alguses asustussüsteemis kontsentreeritult ja linnades segregeerunult. Eestis on rahvusgruppide vahelisi erinevusi uuritud palju, kuid indiviidi vaatenurk uuringutest suuresti puudub. See doktoritöö püüab seda tühimikku täita ja analüüsida etnilist elukohasegregatsiooni rohkem indiviidi seisukohast vaadatuna. Töö eesmärk on selgitada, kuidas ja miks segregatsiooni kontekst eesti- ja venekeelse elanikkonna jaoks muutub ning kuidas elamine erinevas keele- ja kultuurikeskkonnas mõjutab akulturatsiooni protsesse. Doktoritöö tulemustest selgub, et nõukogude perioodil kujunenud suur etniline elukohasegregatsioon on siiani püsinud ja isegi kasvanud. Mõlema rahvusgrupi rändekäitumine on selliseid trende toetanud. Venekeelne elanikkond on viimaste aastakümnete jooksul olnud üsna vähemobiilne ja seepärast on nende elukohamustrid sarnased nõukogude perioodil väljakujunenud mustritele. Kui venekeelne elanikkond elukohta vahetab, siis liiguvad nad peamiselt naabruskondadesse, kus on ees suur omakeelne kogukond: paljude vene emakeelega inimeste jaoks muutub rände läbi nende kodu lähiümbrus veelgi venekeelsemaks. Vastupidiselt venekeelsele elanikkonnale muutus eestlaste jaoks elukeskkond rände läbi enamasti eestikeelsemaks. Venekeelne elanikkond on Eestis elanud aastakümneid, kuid see grupp on seni tugevalt jäänud vene identiteedi juurde ja vaid vähesed määratlevad end eestlasena. Töö tulemused näitavad, et elukoha keeleline keskkond mõjutab etnilise identiteedi muutust väga oluliselt: eestikeelses keskkonnas elavad vene kogukonna liikmed vahetavad palju sagedamini oma vene identiteedi eesti identiteedi vastu. Doktoritöö tõi välja ka väga muret tekitava suundumuse Eesti linnades: sotsiaalmajanduslik ja etniline segregatsioon on hakanud üha enam kattuma., This thesis focuses on ethnic residential segregation and integration of large Russian-speaking population in Estonia who formed mainly in the Soviet period and who settled in larger cities and industrial areas where they in turn concentrated to certain neighbourhoods. Ethnic divisions in different domains of life have received quite a lot of attention, however, there is a lack of studies that investigate ethnic residential segregation from the perspective of individuals. This thesis tries to fill this gap and aims to explore how and why ethnic residential segregation context changes for members of the majority and minority population of Estonia and how living in different ethnic contexts may affect individual’s acculturation processes. The findings of this thesis show that high levels of ethnic residential segregation in Estonia are very persistent and have even increased. The mobility behavior of both ethnic groups have contributed to these trends. Russian-speaking population has been relatively immobile within the last decades and therefore, their residential patterns are largely similar to those developed in the Soviet period. When Russian-speakers change their place of residence, they predominantly move towards minority concentration neighbourhoods and most of their moves result in an increased presence of Russian-speakers in their immediate residential environment. In contrast, when Estonians move, their destination neighbourhood generally turns more Estonian. Russian-speakers have lived in Estonia for a long time already, however, most of the members of the minority population strongly self-identify themselves with Russian identity. The results of this thesis indicate that ethnic residential context which frames individuals’ lives is essential in the development of ethnic identity and those Russians and Russian-speakers who live in Estonian-dominated neighbourhoods and regions are more likely to change their ethnic identity to Estonian compared to those who live in minority-rich areas. This thesis has also highlighted some of the most problematic trends in the development of ethnic segregation in Estonia: ethnic segregation is increasingly overlapping with socio-economic segregation

Väitekirja elektrooniline versioon ei sisalda publikatsioone., Kesk- ja Ida-Euroopa postsotsialistlikes riikides toimunud linnalistest protsessidest on põhjalikult dokumenteeritud ja analüüsitud eeslinnastumise üldiseid mustreid. Eeslinnastumise ja eeslinnade komplekssus, nüansirohkus ja mitmekihiline olemus on aga jäänud suuresti tagaplaanile. Uuselurajoonid on tekitanud selge visuaalse muutuse linnade ümbruses, kuid käesolev väitekiri keskendub endisetele nõukogudeaegsetele suvila- ja aianduskooperatiividele, mis eeslinnastumise „varjatud“ komponendina iseloomustavad selle protsessi mitmekesisust. Lisaks eeslinnastumisega seotud muutustele analüüsitakse väitekirjas endistesse suvilapiirkondadesse kolinud elanike igapäevaelu. Täpsemalt uuritakse kohalikke planeerimisprobleeme, aga ka seda, kuidas eeslinnastujad oma elukohaga seostuvad ja seda „koduna“ tunnetavad. „Kodu“-teemat on endistes sotsialistlikes riikides üllatavalt vähe uuritud. „Kodu“ on tähendusrikas termin üksikisikutele, aga see on ka oluline ühiskonna alustala – koht, mis koondab isiklikke emotsioone, mälestusi ja identiteeti, kuid on samas tugevalt seotud laiemalt ühiskonnas toimuvate muutuste ja arengutega. Planeerimine peaks seadma raame ja suunama eeslinna arenguid, mõjutades antud juhul ka endiste suvilapiirkonna elanike igapäevaelu. Töös on uuritud tänapäevast planeerimisolukorda ja elanike ja kohalike planeerijate suhtlustavasid. Töös kasutatakse nii kvantitatiivseid kui ka kvalitatiivseid meetodeid. Põhirõhk on etnograafilistel välitöödel, et mõista, kuidas kogetakse ja põhjendatakse elamist endistes suvilapiirkondades. Töö tulemused aitavad mõista eeslinnastumise, „kodu”-teema ja planeerimise teoreetilist sisu, aga panustavad ka kohaliku tasandi – üksikisikute elukvaliteedi, inimeste igapäevaelu ja "hea" kogukonna planeerimise – paremasse mõistmisse., The macro-level patterns of suburbanization are a very well documented aspect of the transformation of urban regions in ‘post-socialist’ Central and Eastern Europe, but the diversity, complexity and multi-layered nature of suburbanization remain frequently overlooked. Therefore, instead of focusing on the eye-catching construction of new suburban housing, this dissertation engages with the diversity of the process, particularly its ‘hidden component’ in the form of the Soviet-era summerhouse settlements. In addition to analysing the suburbanization-related changes in these areas, this dissertation takes into focus the everyday lives of individuals living in post-socialist suburbs. More particularly, the local-level planning issues are studied, as well as suburbanites’ engagement in their living-places as ‘homes’. Surprisingly, the topic of ‘home’ has hitherto been little studied in Central and Eastern Europe. ‘Home’ has a significant meaning for people, and it is a cornerstone of society – it is a site that concentrates personal feelings, memories and identities, but is also linked to the myriad developments of its surrounding society. Planning also has a role in taming and framing everyday suburban life. The prevailing building and planning activities, as well as the social dynamics between the residents of Soviet-era summerhouse settlements and the local planning authorities, are studied in this dissertation. This dissertation uses both quantitative and qualitative methods, with an emphasis on ethnographic fieldwork aimed at understanding the variegated ways through which life in former summerhouse areas is lived, experienced, and interpreted. In addition to contributing well-needed nuance to the understanding of the more influential “grand” theories of suburbanization, planning and ‘home’, the results of this dissertation give insights into micro-level localised knowledge: individual life quality, daily interactions, and planning for ‘good’ communities.