Abstracts Anthropology

Neighborly Relations: The Production of Positive and Negative Social Capital in a Low-Income Housing Community

by Kristin A. Haas

In this paper, I explore the impact of neighborhood characteristics on social interaction among neighbors, using the framework of social capital and social network theory. Research for the paper was conducted in a low-income housing development in Vermont and consisted of a survey and in-depth interviews with residents. My findings revealed that the relatively high density of the development, combined with its spatial layout and design, ensured frequent interaction among residents. For many people, this frequent interaction facilitated the exchanging of much-needed goods and services; in some cases, it even fostered friendship. The material and emotional support that many residents provided for one another assisted them in making ends meet, generated "positive social capital", and contributed to the community's collective efficacy. Nevertheless, not all interaction with neighbors was welcomed, and residents often complained about the lack of privacy in the development. Living in close proximity placed burdensome expectations on residents and strained their relationships with one another. This resulted in the production of "negative social capital", a tendency among some residents toward alienation, and a weakened sense of community. Based on these findings, I propose the idea that positive social capital and negative social capital are interdependent within certain intimate, non-voluntary groups, such as high-density neighborhoods. It is possible that the greater and more imperative the support gained from such group membership, the more privacy group members must sacrifice.