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Power distribution and residents’ attitudes toward heritage conservation: Historic street in Jingziguan Town, China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Using Ming–Qing Street (MQS) in Jingziguan Town, China, as a case study, this study examines how governance-related power structures and management processes shape residents' attitudes toward heritage conservation. The analysis integrates the “structures and processes” dimension of the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) with the attitude component of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Based on qualitative fieldwork, the study draws on observations and semi-structured interviews with 26 respondents and analyses the data using thematic analysis. The findings suggest that in economically declining and marginalised areas such as MQS, top-down power structures foster widespread indifference toward heritage conservation, while governance strategies that overlook residents’ needs increase livelihood pressures. The resulting imbalance in power structures and governance processes intensifies tensions between the community and government, contributing to generally negative resident attitudes toward conservation. The study highlights the importance of addressing governance structures and livelihood conditions when promoting community participation in heritage conservation.

Source: Social Sciences & Humanities Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.ssaho.2026.103812

Authors: Shiyao Zhang, Faziawati Abdul Aziz, Nor Azlina Abu Bakar

Institutions: Universiti Putra Malaysia, University of Kuala Lumpur

Language: English

Topic: Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,180