Computer-Supported Community Networks and Social Cohesion

1
Computer-Supported Community Networks and Social
Cohesion

• Sara Ferlander
• SCHEMA
• University of Stirling
• SCOTLAND

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Definitions

• Computer-Supported Community Network (or
  Community Network) Community connected to a
  Computer Network dealing with Local Issues.
• Social Cohesion Existence of Support, Networks,
  Trust and Local Identity. Based on Participation
  in the Community.

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Research Question

• To What Extent Can the Use of CIT (Communication
  and Information Technology) (Re)Create Social
  Cohesion in Local Communities?

4
Literature

• CIT as Vehicle for Enhancing Social Cohesion or
  as a Threat.
• Just as TV produces couch potatoes, so online
  culture creates mouse potatoes, people who hide
  from real life and spend their whole life goofing
  off in cyberspace. (McClelland, 199410)

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The Swedish Community (Pop 9000)
The Scottish Community (Pop 12000)
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• Swedish Network
• Pilot group 50 Connected
• Organiser Housing Company
• Aim Access at Home
• Facilities PCs or NCs

• Scottish Network
• Pilot group 30 Connected
• Organiser Development. Org.
• Aim Access at Home
• Facilities Set Top Boxes

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Research Aims

• Who are the Users of the Network and Who are Left
  Out?
• What is the Network Mainly Used for?
• Does the Network Increase Participation and
  Contacts in the Community?

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General Results

• General Lack of Social Cohesion Today.
• CIT as a Vehicle for Increasing Cohesion.

SAMPLE N 67 Non-Connected Gender 45 Men,
55 Women Immigrants 30 Single Parents 16
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Results
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Expectations

• Usage
• Local (and Global) Services.
• Social Cohesion
• Increased Contacts in the Community.
• Improved Community Information.
• Stronger Sense of Local Identity.
• More Attractive Housing Area.

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Online Collaboration
Scotland
Sweden