Do women's leadership approaches support the development of social capital? Relationship building in a voluntary neighbourhood initiative

Abstract

This instrumental case study explores women's role in efforts to restore a liveable balance within a southern Ontario downtown neighbourhood, between 1989 and 1995. The nature of women's experiences and their ways of work was the embedded analytical feature of the case. Negatively impacted by the presence of crack houses and prostitution, the women who lived in the neighbourhood took leadership in ensuring their immediate environment was more liveable. The study participants included women active in the initiative, residents from the neighbourhood, municipal officials, and various police officers. Strategies used by women in this neighbourhood change initiative included: developing relationships and networks, mobilizing community residents to action, and implementing recreation and safety programmes. The study found values and relationship building were core elements to the women's volunteer leadership approaches, resulting in community building among residents and civic engagement within their neighbourhood. The emerging concept of social capital development is explored. The question emerging from the findings concerns women's leadership approaches in supporting social capital development.