Een Kwalitatieve Verkenning naar Sociale Innovatie: Verschillende Perspectieven op Empowerment, Sociale Cohesie en Samenwerking

Current research on social innovation is described by qualitative exploration of the project 'Sterke vrouwen in Tuikwerd'. Different perspectives of professionals and projectvrouwen involved in and around the project, are identified by use of qualitative interviews focusing on the themes important to social innovation: Empowerment among inhabitants, social cohesion in the neighborhood and cooperation between professionals and inhabitants. In addition, acquired knowledge and insights based on the interviews are linked back to the research participants in a focus group. Together these results describe the progress of the current project
This underlying research adds new theoretical insights and practical knowledge in the field of empowerment, social cohesion and cooperation. Study of the results suggests that professionals have doubts about the actual need for activities in the neighborhood. Nevertheless do professionals expect inhabitants to take the initiative for any needed activities. However, participants (and former participants) of the current project do want activities in the area but see this as work for professionals. Furthermore, it has been found that the lack of mutual trust between inhabitants makes it difficult to start up activities. This research has shown that both sides, professionals as well as projectvrouwen need and also want to improve cooperation based on mutual openness and trust. Resuming, contact between professionals and inhabitants about start-up of future activities is needed so images, experiences and expectations can be exchanged.

Keywords: social innovation, empowerment, social cohesion, cooperation, trust