In the wake of the Brexit referendum and the election of Donald Trump, there has been considerable attention given to so-called “left behind communities” that appeared to drive both events. These communities are characterized as having missed out on the benefits of globalization and have subsequently fallen into decline.

Research from Concordia University suggests that local associations play a crucial role in the vibrancy of any neighborhood. The researchers argue that these associations provide the engine of local life, organizing various festivals, sporting activities, and holiday celebrations that bind the community together.

Exclusive clubs

The study finds, however, that these associations aren’t always as inclusive as they could be. They quizzed community leaders in a mid-sized city in Canada and found that associations can often be exclusive and insular. What’s more, they don’t always reflect the communities they’re designed to serve.

“We went into this research project thinking that everything was going to be positive—that these associations are creating connections between neighbors at festivals and events they plan,” the researchers explain. “And that did happen. But we were surprised that the most active members say that while fostering a sense of belonging played a big role in what they do, it wasn’t necessary for everyone in the neighborhood to be included.”

Often the community leaders would be white, wealthy homeowners, often with young families. The other common demographic was retirees with children that had flown the nest. The researchers note that while leaders are often quite homogenous, their contributions are nonetheless valuable as they organize various community activities and help to ensure that local facilities are maintained. They can even act as a useful support network when those in the community experience hardship.

Narrow focus

There remained a sense, however, that the focus of the associations was unduly narrow and aligned with the needs of people like the leaders themselves. For instance, few events would be planned for older adults, and most events were around Christian-inspired themes, despite most communities having a far more diverse population.

This wasn’t necessarily an intentional effort to exclude but more a continuation of themes from their own childhood, when such events helped to foster a sense of belonging and involvement.

“Nobody told us that they did not want to involve all of their neighbors,” the researchers explain. “But there was no intentional effort to reach out to them.”

The study highlights the considerable power and importance municipally funded neighborhood associations hold in their communities, and underline that it’s crucial that they represent the entire neighborhood rather than the often narrow perspective of the leaders themselves. Hopefully the findings will encourage associations to diversity both their leadership teams and their outlook to foster genuine inclusion and belonging for all residents.

“It isn’t necessarily a problem that the most active community members are young white families,” the researchers conclude. “However, they should be willing to take into consideration that there are people in the mix whose needs have to be met, and that they should be heard from even if they are not actively involved members.”