Rachel Katterl, PHC RIS
This introductory guide to building social capital through project-based community development and capacity building projects is the product of an evaluation of three community development projects across the Adelaide and greater Adelaide region. It is targeted at agency-level organisations who wish to engage in community development projects, including local government.
Developed by the South Australian Community Health Research Unit (SACHRU) at Flinders University, Practical Social Capital was developed with an emphasis on practicality and usability for readers. It is comprised of:
- an overview and evaluation of three community development case studies aimed at building social capital
- a roadmap for the development, implementation and evaluation of community projects aimed at building social capital and
- an explanation of the theoretical underpinnings and research evidence linking social capital and health.
In addition, SACHRU has developed a briefing for those involved in policy planning and development within government.
This report defines social capital as “the extent of trust, reciprocity and mutual cooperation that are available to individuals and communities”. The three projects presented, demonstrate the diverse ways in which development and regeneration projects might be used as a vehicle for increasing social capital in a community.
The three projects required initial investment by the state with an eye for the long term implications of building community cohesion and networks. These long term implications are important because they include greater access to economic resources and opportunities, and subsequently better health and decreased mortality.
This guide’s strengths are threefold: The case studies depict a realistic picture of the barriers which may be encountered during the life of projects targeting social capital. The integration of the case studies, project methodology, and theoretical and research underpinnings provides a cohesive narrative for those unfamiliar with social capital approaches. Finally, the guide is written in plain English allowing Practical Social Capital to be disseminated to a wide audience.
The report and policy briefing is available at <www.flinders.edu.au/southgate/publications.htm>
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