In empowerment and asset-based approaches to community development, the ability to change local residents’ perception of themselves and their neighbours from that of persons with needs that can only be met with the help of
professionals to that of a more self-reliant group with assets and capacities for collective and collaborative problemsolving is seen as key to successful community building (Kretzmann and McKnight, 1993).
By using social network analysis and Bourdieu’s definition of capital, this study aimed to identify patterns of participation and non-participation in a community-building project aiming at increasing upward mobility and social
capital within the area and increase equity in health.
This presentation will outline the tensions and contradictions which accompany policies and interventions that seek to strengthen local communities as a means of promoting health. Emerging findings from the network analysis and the
factors that promote or hinder participation in voluntary activities will be presented. Particular focus will be on the range of factors that hinder widespread voluntary participation in community building with residents having limited opportunities for developing and maintaining more heterogeneous social networks outside the stigmatised neighbourhood.