Rural mountain village communities in Japan face various problems. As part of this study, the social capital of such a community in a rural mountain village of the Tohoku district in Japan was observed with the aim of clarifying what social capital would be required to help it develop an activity. For this purpose, the study used a social network analysis of the community residents. The leadership structure become clear in the results of this analysis. It verified using the social network analysis result and the result of hearing investigation.
Certain facts came to light through the study, in which the leaders of the community and an active organization participated. The activity introduced to the community by person with many social networks was performed smoothly. The gradual social network until it affects residents was verified. On the other hand, the residents had antipathy toward the activity that was introduced by a person with few social networks.
The following insights were gained regarding the process of generating social capital into the activity. (1) The social network of the person who brings information to a community is important. It is necessary to have such a person participate in this activity from the outset. This point is related to the need to include the residents and organizations that play an active part in making the activity successful. (2) It is vital that a firm relationship exists among individuals, such as the leadership structure, so that they may be consulted about the community. It is important for leaders to understand their capabilities and also the potential of the social network in the community. The conditions (1), (2) led to social capital being developed into activity in the community.
View full abstract