Social capital and ecological sustainability: Broken Hill

Abstract

A recent study into community capacity building in a remote Australian community used a social capital survey instrument. The results indicate that women, often under-represented in decision-making and unrecognised as influential and powerful, form a major plank of the social capital strength in the community and demonstrate high commitment to environmental sustainability. The results for older women are particularly interesting. Findings have implications for community analysis, funding decisions and planning for promotion and development of programs on environmental sustainability.