Restoring a livable balance in a downtown neighbourhood, the role of values and relationships in women's ways of work

Abstract

This qualitative case study explored the role played by women in their efforts to restore a livable balance within their southern Ontario downtown neighbourhood, between 1989 and 1995. Negatively impacted by the presence of crack houses, prostitution, and johns seeking sexual favours, the women who lived in the neighbourhood took leadership in ensuring that the diversity that they had previously enjoyed in their community was brought back into balance. The study participants included the women who were active in the initiative, residents from the neighbourhood, municipal officials, and various police officers. Strategies used by the women in this neighbourhood change initiative included the following: implementing leisure programmes resulting in community building among residents; becoming informed about issues and the political process; and developing extensive linkages and working relationships with community organization and municipal officials. Key roles played by the women were those of protector/defender of their values related to children ,families, and their understanding of community. Central to the women's experience during this initiative were the friendships and feeling of affiliation that they developed with each other. These friendships served as a motivator in their protecting/defending roles and were a sustaining feature that supported the women throughout the entire initiative. The findings also show how the women's friendships allowed them to engage in a long-term social learning process and social capital development.