Conceptualizing the co-living notion: insights from the Malaysian context

Abstract

This study investigates the co-living concept within the specific socio-cultural context of Malaysia. While the existing literature proposes various co-living models, it often lacks sensitivity to the diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and communal dynamics present in non-Western societies. Adopting an integrated mixed-method concept mapping approach, the study involved five stages: statement generation, sorting, multidimensional scaling, hierarchical cluster analysis, and cluster labeling. A total of 27 participants responded to the prompt “What are your expectations from a co-living environment?,” yielding 88 statements. Subsequently, 33 respondents organized these statements into eight thematic clusters: Code of Conduct, House Rules, Living Space and Design, Facilities and Accessibility, Basic Requirements, Affordable Living, Communal Living, and Resource Optimisation. Findings revealed a predominant emphasis on interpersonal behavior and social norms among co-residents, which are underrepresented in Western-centric scholarship that typically prioritizes infrastructural, spatial, and functional dimensions of co-living. While some overlap exists, the observed differences underscore the need for further inquiry. Practical implications suggest that co-living developments in Malaysia should prioritize behavioral considerations, including fostering a sense of community, ensuring safety, and delivering essential amenities to enhance residents’ wellbeing and overall satisfaction.

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