Toward Understanding Power Dynamics in a Highly-Connected, Hyperlocal Coastal Decision Network (Bay of Fundy, Canada)

Abstract

This study highlights the unique characteristics of a hyperlocal, rural, coastal governance system. While social network analysis (SNA) is often used to identify power dynamics in a decision network, hyperlocal rural communities often have high social cohesion, which can result in a SNA showing a highly-connected social network, even if they do not necessarily engage in highly inclusive or equitable decision processes that these measures often indicate. In this case, high connectivity simply describes small-community social cohesion. SNA was conducted on questionnaire data, followed by qualitative interviews that helped to reveal nuances of socio-political power dynamics not evident from quantitative analysis. Interviews revealed that power dynamics may be related to mandated processes that determine which actors are included, but informal contact can change these dynamics. This study contributes to understanding power relations in hyperlocal systems by underlining the importance of using mixed methods in SNA to understand nuances of social dynamics.