Differing Levels of Social Capital and Mental Health in Suburban Communities in Australia: Did Social Planning Contribute to the Difference?

Abstract

The article draws on our examination of the connections between location, health and social capital in four socio-economically contrasting areas in South Australia. Our third ranking socio-economic area often equalled or scored better on some social capital and mental health variables than the higher ranking area. We examined whether these findings may be explained by the quality of social planning some 20 years earlier. Our case study confirmed that the integration of social and physical planning based on best practice had, on the balance of evidence, contributed to the better than expected performance of one of the less advantaged suburbs.

Keywords:

• Social capital
• social planning
• natural policy experiment
• social determinants of health
• health equity

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a NH&MRC project grant 229913 and Capacity Building grant 974006.

Notes

1. The SF-12 scores reported here are the mental health summary score of the SF-12 self-report health measure, scored according to Ware et al. (1995). Scores range from 0 to 100 with higher scores indicating better mental health.

2. The LGA of Onkaparinga was formed as a result of the amalgamation in 1997 of several neighbouring areas including Noarlunga.