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Locating the Community Field: A Study of Interorganizational Network Structure and Capacity for Community Action *
Author(s) -
Sharp Jeff S.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
rural sociology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.083
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1549-0831
pISSN - 0036-0112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1549-0831.2001.tb00074.x
Subject(s) - field (mathematics) , community organization , social network analysis , rural community , action (physics) , community network , community structure , interpretation (philosophy) , sociology , field research , public relations , community development , local community , community building , knowledge management , management science , political science , engineering , social science , computer science , social capital , ecology , socioeconomics , law , physics , mathematics , quantum mechanics , pure mathematics , biology , programming language
I examine the concept of the community field to identify the structures, elements, and processes that generate improved capacity for community action. I conduct analysis of interlocking leadership among local organizations and recent community action in three Midwestern communities to determine the structure and attributes of the community field. I use findings from community power research to anticipate and guide interpretation of the different network structures found in each community. A community field is identified in the communities with pyramidal and coalitional structures. Inclusive, coordinating networks, institutions with stockpiled resources, and the existence of local planning processes are some of the community field‐like structures and processes I identify. The findings have implications for future rural community research and practice, including support for increased use of network analysis as a diagnostic tool for community development.