| Summary |
Patterns of urban sprawl have paralleled documented declines in civic engagement as well as changes in the density and formation of social networks. This engagement is embodied in a concept sociologists have termed "social capital." The notion of social capital centers upon the value derived from reciprocal social relationships that act as a resource for both individuals and groups. An alternative settlement form, entitled new urbanism, has offered new hope for revitalizing the physical environment of communities as well as restoring the social capital prevalent in the pre WWII era. This research examines the components of sprawl and new urbanist design, analyzing opportunities for the creation and promotion of social capital in order to form the foundation for an analysis of social capital within various community designs. Using five neighborhoods as case studies, quantitative data derived from GIS database analysis and surveys are utilized, supplemented by personal interviews and observations, in order to provide an accurate representation of physical and social aspects of these communities. Statistical and critical analyses are utilized to examine the relationship between built form and social capital in addition to new urbanism's effect on social capital. Conclusions from this study support the hypothesis that new urbanist development creates an environment conducive to social capital formation and that new urbanist communities contain a greater supply of social capital. |
