Enabling families with young children to build social capital, and feel connected and supported within communities: community groups in newer residential areas

[Truncated]

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate how families with young children build social capital, and feel connected and supported within their communities in newer residential areas. In particular, the extent that community groups such as mothers’ groups and playgroups enable this process was investigated.

BACKGROUND

Parenthood is a significant transition on the life course; a time often experienced by new parents as overwhelming, and a time of increased social support need. In Australia, data have indicated one in four families report low levels of support from outside the home. This is concerning and may indicate a shortfall in opportunities to build social networks; however, it may also reflect a changing demography and a more mobile Australian society. For example, one in four Australians was born overseas; therefore, extended family may not be available to support new parents. At the same time, mothers are returning to the workforce sooner after starting a family and older women are staying in the workforce longer – neighbourhoods have ‘thinned’. Starting a family often coincides with moving to newer residential areas in the urban sprawl; however, newer residential areas commonly experience a lag in physical and social infrastructure, and sometimes have difficulties in establishing community groups for families with young children. In sum, these changes can result in less support in local communities for parents at a time of high need; compounded by an erosion of traditional social and community support systems. Therefore, due to potential isolation and support factors, parents with children 0-5 years of age living in newer residential areas were the study population.