Mapping the interrelationships between community assets
International Journal of Social Economics
ISSN: 0306-8293
Article publication date: 25 August 2020
Issue publication date: 13 October 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Community asset mapping (CAM) is an evidence-based activity commonly used in local socioeconomic development initiatives. Residents and other stakeholders collaboratively identify the resources that they deem most important to the vitality of their community. Results are depicted qualitatively using maps. While maps are a useful means to convey information, alternate approaches to summarize data drawn from CAM activities may yield additional inferences that better inform community development initiatives.
Design/methodology/approach
This study conducted a retrospective analysis of secondary, de-identified data collected from the 2015–2016 Gonzaga University Logan Neighborhood Asset Mapping Project. Hierarchical and nonhierarchical cluster analyses were used to establish interrelationships between the perceived importance of various community assets.
Findings
The hierarchical cluster analysis revealed a very intuitive hierarchical clustering of community assets, with various health care services tightly clustered together. Similarly, farmers’ markets, community gardens and meeting spaces were clustered closely together. Third, community education and care services for all age groups were clustered together. The nonhierarchical cluster analysis revealed intuitive clustering of respondent groups who valued particular sets of assets.
Originality/value
By identifying these clusters and characterizing the linkages between them, it is possible to fund multiple development initiatives that are mutually reinforcing. For example, if the neighborhood obtains funds to invest, then they could be used to facilitate both community gardens and farmers’ markets, two closely related activities. Additional physical locations might also be developed to support (possibly outdoor) meeting space.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2020-0206.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the students, staff, faculty, and administrators who participated in, and provided support for, the Gonzaga University Logan Neighborhood Asset Mapping Project, whose data form the basis for this manuscript. We thank Gonzaga University for providing access to the data used in this manuscript.
Citation
McPherson, M.Q., Friesner, D. and Bozman, C.S. (2020), "Mapping the interrelationships between community assets", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 47 No. 10, pp. 1299-1309. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-04-2020-0206
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited