Social Capital and Social Change

Abstract

Community development organizations (CDOs) are the primary vehicle for development in low-income neighborhoods and have begun to be examined in terms of the degree to which they increase citizen participation, increase civic capacity, and stabilize and revitalize neighborhoods through the creation of social capital. Women play a key role in community development. The authors find that most women-led CDOs define their community development efforts broadly, increase community capacity, and strengthen local democracy. To the extent that women-led groups contribute differentially to the development of social capital by increasing community participation and trust and by creating community networks and civic action, they represent a model for community development efforts.