Paper: A localized approach to conducting research on social capital and resilience in a conflict-affected setting

Paper details

Paper authors Kelsey Gleason
In panel on The Role(s) of Social Capital in Humanitarian Resilience in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Contexts
Paper presenter(s) will be presenting In-Person / Online

Abstract

Increasingly, leveraging a localized approach is recognized as a fundamental pillar for success in building social capital and promoting resilience in humanitarian disasters, particularly conflict-affected contexts. A localized approach to building social capital and resilience in conflict settings builds on local knowledge, networks, and resources for more sustainable and locally owned peacebuilding efforts. Yet often these localized efforts lack community engagement and participation. In this study on understanding the role of social capital in building resilience in Cité Soleil, Haiti, we build on principles of localization through a community-led, participatory approach. Through this participatory method, community members played a leading role in all stages of the research project, from research question development to implementation, fostering trust and relationships and building the foundations for effective conflict resolution through social capital and resilience. In this paper, we present the methodology used to successfully implement a locally-led and participatory research study, lessons learned, preliminary research findings, and opportunities for future work.

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