The loss of rural facilities: a mixed methods study on perceptions of place-change

Almost half a century ago Wim Sonneveld sang about the baker and the butcher and everything that changes in 'our village'. Now the primary school, sports club and supermarket are closing, and according to recent news headlines the closure of facilities still hurts. But why exactly?

It is often assumed that place-protective behaviour following the closure of rural facilities is caused by rational arguments, such as the loss of access to basic services. Therefore, policy responses often focus on ‘rational’ solutions. However, human behaviour is ultimately the result of a complex interplay of various socio-psychological processes.

This thesis aims to understand the underlying mechanisms that explain negative perceptions of facility decline, by investigating how people interpret, evaluate and cope with the closure of local facilities in the north of the Netherlands. Findings indicate that the closure of various facilities can trigger or exacerbate a general sense of loss, which is influenced by the perceived loss of certain local facilities with a social, emotional, and symbolic value.

In this mixed method study, insights from different academic fields are combined to show how aspects such as place bonds, collective efficacy, and the endowment effect influence perceptions of facility-decline. This thesis concludes with practical recommendations and a co-creative tool for policy makers and planners to support communities in their coping process.