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5.2.1 SCA - Social Capital

Last modified by Emily West on 2022/01/10 14:39

5.2.1 SCA - Social Capital

TopicUrban challengesSub-challenges
Social5 - Environmental Justice and Social Cohesion5.2 - Social Cohesion
Description
The concept of social cohesion has no single straightforward definition that is shared by all and the ambiguity of the concept is widely acknowledged (see Jenson 2012 for a historical introduction to the concept). It is good to keep in mind that in terms of definition and in terms of methodology suggested, other options are possible as well. Social cohesion is a multiscalar concept (Jenson 2012). NBS planning has a focus on local communities and cities. Therefore indicators that reflect local level rather than national level is chosen. In this context, Regina Berger-Schmitt (2002) decomposed the concept of social cohesion into two dimensions of inequality and social capital. As the issue of (environmental) justice is addressed already above the focus her will be on social capital dimension as the main indicator. Social capital refers to the value that social networks have (to those that are part and to those that are bystanders (Putnam in Jenson 2012:9). Empowerment, participation, associational activity and common purpose, supporting networks and reciprocity, collective norms and values, trust, safety and belonging are domains of social capital at the neighbourhood level (Forrest and Kearns 2001). These domains must be examined in order to understand the level of social cohesion at the local level.
Scale as linked to D2.2 framework
  • City
  • Neighborhood 
  • Street
  • Household
  • Object
Data source [ link to data framework]
  • Responses of participant
Needs
  • Empowerment:
    • People in our neighbourhood (or city, NBS context) have a voice which is listened to.
    • People in our neighbourhood (or city, NBS context) are involved in processes that affect them.
    • People in our neighbourhood (or city, NBS context) can take action to initiate change.
  • Participation
    • People take part in social and community activities in our (or city, NBS context).
    • In this neighbourhood (or city, NBS context) local events occur and are well attended.
  • Associational activity and Common Purpose
    • In this neighbourhood (or city, NBS context), people co-operate with one another through the formation of formal and informal groups to further their interests.
  • Supporting networks and reciprocity
    • In this neighbourhood (or city, NBS context) individuals and organizations co-operate to support one another for either mutual or one-sided gain.
    • In this neighbourhood (or city, NBS context), an expectation that help would be given to or received from others when needed.
  • Collective norms and values
    • In this neighbourhood (or city, NBS context), people share common values and norms of behaviour.
  • Trust
    • In this neighbourhood (or city, NBS context), people feel they can trust their co-residents
    • In this neighbourhood (or city, NBS context), people feel they can trust local organizations responsible for governing or serving their area.
  • Belonging
    • In this neighbourhood (or city, NBS context), people feel connected to their co-residents.
    • In this neighbourhood (or city, NBS context), people feel connected to their home area
    • In this neighbourhood (or city, NBS context),people have a sense of belonging to the place and its people.
  • Safety
    • In this neighbourhood (or city, NBS context), people feel safe
    • In this neighbourhood (or city, NBS context), I do not feel restricted in their use of public space by fear.

Note: See Forrest and Kearns (2001) for the questionnaire

Expected Outputs
  • Assessment of social cohesion in a neighbourhood
Calculation methods
  • Average counts for different domains
Links and references
  • Forrest and Kearns, 2001
  • Jane, 2012
  • Berger-Schmitt 2002