How social networks power and sustain the Big Society

Definitions

Big Society: a major initiative to create a climate that empowers local people and communities to take power away from government and give it to people.

Social network: a structure made up of individuals which are connected by one or more specific types of interdependency.

Some Observations

"...change has to start outside government, usually from the bottom..."

“We believe that a fresh approach to developing communities, based on mapping local social networks in as detailed a manner as possible, is now required..."

"...researching local social networks and then relaying social network diagrams back to research participants helps people to think of themselves in network terms, and begin to feel their interdependence at a more personal and daily level."

"... social problems cannot be tackled by government..."

"Understanding network structures increases the likelihood of a desired form of behaviour spreading."

Full Report

Connected Communities:
How social networks power and sustain the Big Society

Jonathan Rowson
Steve Broome
Alasdair Jones
September 2010

(via SocNet)