The Relationship Between Health Assets, Social Capital and Cohesive Communities

摘要: This chapter explores the strength of “social cohesion” both as an individual and community asset. There is a growing body evidence that supports link between strong social capital its beneficial impact on health, although authors stress is, in itself, not panacea will put right detrimental extreme poverty deprivation. The suggest whilst cohesion society can be perceived “asset”, conveying health outcomes, there are instances where it detrimental. A distinction made “bonding capital” (formed within homogenous groups) which have negative “bridging (between different groups), appears beneficial. Cognisant these pitfalls suggests ways communities may begin to build harness Social embraces two distinct concepts. On one hand, “network” theory defines concept terms “individual” resources – for example, instrumental support, information channels, credentials embedded individual’s network. By contrast, approach “community based” assets levels trust, norms, mutual assistance, exercise sanctions available members tightly-knit communities. capital, defined either way, considered example asset, i.e. resource enhances ability individuals or maintain well-being. In public field, however, majority empirical studies date focused capital. aim this summarize state knowledge theories causation, measurement approaches, evidence, debates concerning community-level asset determinant health. first section summarizes theoretical mechanisms processes by believed promote protect second outlines existing approaches assessing cohesion. third ­linking concluding discusses ongoing debate utility mobilizing strategy improve what we need know order move field forward.