Community resilience

Definition

Community resilience refers to the ability of a community to withstand, adapt to, and recover from adverse events or challenges, including social, economic, or environmental disruptions. It emphasizes the importance of social networks, local knowledge, and resource management in fostering a supportive environment that enhances the community's capacity to cope with change and adversity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Māori urbanization led to the establishment of urban marae as key centers for cultural identity and social support in cities.
2. Urban marae serve as vital hubs for fostering community resilience by providing a space for social gatherings, education, and cultural events.
3. The interconnectedness of community members is crucial for resilience, as strong social networks enable better response to challenges faced by the community.
4. Community resilience in urban settings is often strengthened through collaboration between local organizations, iwi (tribes), and government agencies.
5. Adaptation strategies developed by Māori communities in urban areas emphasize the importance of maintaining cultural practices while addressing contemporary issues.

Review Questions

• How does the emergence of urban marae contribute to the overall community resilience of Māori populations in urban areas?
  • The emergence of urban marae plays a significant role in enhancing community resilience for Māori populations by serving as cultural hubs that foster identity, belonging, and social cohesion. These marae provide spaces for community gatherings, cultural education, and support services, which strengthen social ties among members. As a result, urban marae not only help preserve Māori traditions but also empower communities to address challenges collectively.
• In what ways do social networks within urban marae influence the resilience of Māori communities facing economic or environmental challenges?
  • Social networks within urban marae significantly influence the resilience of Māori communities by facilitating communication, resource sharing, and mutual support during times of crisis. These networks help individuals access critical information and resources that are necessary for coping with economic or environmental challenges. By fostering collaboration and solidarity among members, urban marae enable communities to effectively mobilize responses to disruptions and enhance their overall adaptive capacity.
• Evaluate the impact of urbanization on Māori community resilience and identify potential strategies to enhance this resilience in rapidly changing urban environments.
  • Urbanization has both positive and negative impacts on Māori community resilience. On one hand, it presents opportunities for greater access to services and employment; on the other hand, it can lead to disconnection from traditional practices and loss of cultural identity. To enhance resilience in rapidly changing urban environments, strategies could include strengthening partnerships between urban marae and local government, promoting initiatives that celebrate Māori culture in urban settings, and ensuring access to resources that support economic development while maintaining cultural values.

Related terms

Cultural Identity: The sense of belonging to a particular cultural group, which shapes a community's values, traditions, and practices.

Social Capital: The networks of relationships among people in a community that facilitate cooperation and support for mutual benefit.

Urbanization: The process by which rural areas become urban through population growth and the expansion of cities, impacting social structures and community dynamics.