Community social capital in the distribution of the city San Jerónimo de León

Abstract

The research focuses on the level of community social capital in the San Jerónimo neighborhood of the city of León in 2010. This neighborhood is one of the oldest in the northern periphery of the city and shows lower levels of social progress compared to other neighborhoods that emerged later. The objectives center on identifying social capital indicators, analyzing the factors that limit its development, and assessing the possibilities for improving social capital as an asset that can facilitate community development. Information was gathered through surveys of heads of households and interviews with community leaders and a representative from the institutions involved. Among the findings in the neighborhood are structural isolation, a traditional formal structure, conformity, distrust in institutions, and yet, a medium level of social capital. This is evidenced by a high degree of unity and sense of belonging, strong interpersonal relationships, tolerance, solidarity, and neighborhood cooperation—demonstrated through a unique funeral services cooperative and a youth brigade that ensures community safety in the neighborhood.