How does sport and recreation build social capital in disadvantaged communities?

The purpose of this research is to explore how the providers of sport and recreation can build social capital in disadvantaged communities. Social capital has various definitions and for the purpose of this research Putman’s (2000) theory of social capital will be used which focuses on volunteering and civic action. Putnam refers to social capital (2000, p.19) as “the connections among individuals – social network and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them” He explores different concepts of social capital such as bonding, bridging and linking. These concepts explain the relationships or connections that occur between the different parties within a community or society and how those connections impact that community group. It is these relationships that develop both within and outside a community that build begin to build trust and reciprocity. This research will involve investigating sport and recreation programs used to build social capital in a 33 disadvantaged community. The community I have chosen is Mt Druitt based in Western Sydney, a suburb with a 4.5% indigenous community low socio economic status and high unemployment (ABS 2011). I have worked in this community for a number of years and have experienced firsthand what it is like to build social capital in this community using sport and recreation. From the experience I came across a number of hurdles that would often stifle the creation of social capital, i.e. creating programs that were designed to entertain, as opposed to teaching or empowering the community. This is why it is important to look at the stakeholders involved and analyse the planning, development and motivation behind these programs. I will be developing a case study involving a number of different stakeholders i.e. government departments and community groups Looking at what sport and recreation they do in the community? How do they do it? How do they evaluate the social capital created? What challenges and opportunities are there in the community? This research will provide valuable information regarding how sport and recreation can assist in building social capital in a community where resources, finances and education are limited