CSO STUDIES: CHILDCARE COSTS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT REPORT: ANALYSIS:SO, WHATEVER happened to those apocalyptic predictions that the end of the community was nigh?, asks CARL O'BRIEN
At the height of the boom, dark mutterings were everywhere. The growth of two-income families, commuter-belt hell and rampant materialism were fraying the ties of once close-knit communities. At least that’s what seemed to be the case.
Now, based on the findings of a Central Statistics Office report into social participation published yesterday, communities appear to be in much better shape than we ever thought.
Just under a quarter of the population takes part in unpaid charitable work. Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of people aged 16 and over took part in at least one group activity and 79 per cent felt most of the time people in their neighbourhood try to be helpful.
Sport is easily the most popular form of activity people are involved in and, not surprisingly, politics was the least popular.
Even in urban centres such as Dublin, community spirit seems alive and well. People living in the capital are the most likely to “take action to solve a problem” (13 per cent), and the vast majority talk to a neighbour at least once a week (70 per cent).
The figures also challenge the widely held belief that most citizens are apathetic about politics and have little or no faith in effecting change in their communities. The report shows that some 85 per cent feel that by working together, people in their neighbourhood can influence decisions that affect them.
In addition, community ties seem particularly healthy. Over two-thirds (69 per cent) reported a very strong or strong sense of belonging to their neighbourhood.
That said, it’s not all positive. The figures only hint at social problems which affect large sections of the population, such as the isolation of older people, as well as those affected by health problems or poverty. Foreign nationals, too, are less likely to be involved in the community.
For example, those in the oldest age group (over 75 years), had the lowest levels of support, with 29 per cent reporting that they had fewer than three people whom they could call on in a time of need. People in poor health also reported the lowest levels of involvement in community (12 per cent) and civic (8 per cent) activities.
While the overall findings are positive, it’s important to bear in mind that the data published yesterday was collected almost three years ago in a very different Ireland, still soaring on the crest of an economic wave. Surely the recession means community ties will strengthen, and volunteerism will increase, because people have more time on their hands? Not necessarily. The report shows that levels of civic engagement are lowest among the unemployed and those on low wages.
The battle to boost social capital and involvement in the community may only be starting.