Abstract

RAMOS-VIDAL, Ignacio. Influence of personal networks structure on the development of community processes in displaced population. Psychol. av. discip. [online]. 2014, vol.8, n.1, pp.43-54. ISSN 1900-2386.

Forced displacement affects over 5 million people in Colombia. The process of mobility experienced by displaced implies the weakening of the linkages with their relational environment and may involve the deprivation of the right to decide at socio-political level. The sense of community, the community engagement and the psychological empowerment display a strong potential to understand both the adaptation process in destination community, and the increase in community involvement. From a structural viewpoint, Social Network Analysis allows to evaluate the social support networks of the displaced population. The aims of this study are: (a) assess the three community processes; (b) analyze the personal networks structure of the displaced population; and (c) identify the potential effects that personal networks may exert on the development of community processes. Results suggest that structural properties of networks impact on the level of participation in community development activities. However, no significant relationships were identified between the structural measures and the other two community processes evaluated. Density contributes positively on community participation while centralization parameters affect in a negative way. We conclude discussing the applications of our results to design effective intervention strategies to promote the full integration of displaced population in the host community.

Keywords : centralization; density; displacement; empowerment; participation; personal networks; sense of community.

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