Governance challenges of China's major repair fund under structural cognitive imbalance: An empirical study based on social cognitive theory

The maintenance and renewal of residential communities are central to urban sustainability. As a key financial mechanism, the Housing Maintenance Fund directly affects the community governance efficiency and the residents' living quality. The study finds that, in practice, a large proportion of homeowners exhibit systematic misunderstandings regarding the payment schedule, purpose, and management of the Housing Maintenance Fund, thus indicating a widespread knowledge gap. These gaps stem not from individual deficiencies but from a structural mismatch between policy communication and the residents' cognitive frameworks. Drawing on Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, this research employs a quantitative analysis to examine how interactions between cognitive ability and the information environment shape these disparities. Based on international experience, the study proposes governance strategies such as multi-channel information systems and real-time transparency platforms. By introducing a social cognitive perspective, the study uncovers the underlying mechanisms of fund governance and provides theoretical and practical insights to enhance the accessibility, transparency, and citizen participation in housing policy.