Figuring social capital and social networks Bringing people together and empowerment Interactional skills Roles of community

workers

Social capital is about the value of social networks, bonding similar people and bridging between diverse people, with norms of reciprocity (Putnam) 'features of social organization such as networks, norms, and social trust that facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit' (Putnam 1995, p. 67). 'the aggregate of the actual or potential resources which are linked to possession of a durable network of more or less institutionalized relationships of mutual acquaintance or recognition' (Bourdieu 1986, p. 248). 'made up of social obligations ('connections'), which is convertible, in certain conditions, into economic capital and may be institutionalized in the form of a title of nobility' (Bourdieu 1986, p. 243).

'Social capital is defined by its function. It is not a single entity, but a variety of different entities having two characteristics in common: They all consist of some aspect of social structure, and they facilitate certain actions of individuals who are within the structure' (Coleman 1990, p. 302). 'the ability of people to work together for common purposes in groups and organizations' (Fukuyama 1995, p. 10). 'Social capital can be defined simply as the existence of a certain set of informal values or norms shared among members of a group that permit cooperation among them' (Fukuyama 1997)

Social networks are linkages among defined sets of persons, such as kin, friends, neighbors, or co-workers. (Voydanoff) "Individuals or groups linked by some common bond, shared social status, similar or shared functions, or geographic or cultural connection. Social networks form and discontinue on an ad hoc basis depending on specific need and interest." (Barker, 1999). "Looking at informal, transient forms of association, such as the flow of gossip, the mobilization of social movements and political campaigns, and the maintenance of patron-client relations. Such networks are groups of persons who do not necessarily know each other or share anything outside the organizing criteria of the network." (Calhoun, 2003). Wellman (1999) describes contemporary community networks as narrow specialized relationships rather than broadly supportive ties; as sparsely knit, loosely bounded, and frequently changing; and as supportive and sociable although spatially dispersed rather than neighborhood-based." (Voydanoff 1999).

Empowerment
the process of increasing personal, interpersonal or political power so that communities can take action to improve their situations - Can involve community workers giving up / letting go of their own power - Involve community building and conscientisation

Skills in Engaging the Community

Communicate and engage Promote and enable Lead and facilitate Negotiate entry, roles and expectation

Skills in Assessing Community Needs

Community Needs Assessment Community Profiling Research and Data Collection Participatory Action Research (PAR) in line with themes of community selfdetermination and citizen participation

Skills in Group Work Processes

Facilitating group bonding and banding Mobilising community to act on issues affecting their own lives Managing group dynamics Negotiations and conflict resolutions

Skills in Networking and Collaboration

Community liaison Resourcing ( e.g. grant application ) Conducting or organising community education programmes

Skills in Monitoring and Evaluation

Recording Report writing Analysis and reflection

You are a community worker in a communitybased agency. It has come to your attention that there is a high number of single mothers in several villages; there are also many young girls who cannot find work after they leave school. Discuss the different level of skills in community work in relation to this case.

In what ways they can be used?

What are the issues and challenges involved? At what level would my own level of competency be?