Experience of neighborhood leadership in rural contexts

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine the experiences of neighbourhood leadership in rural areas, paying special attention to community dynamics and the challenges they face, based on the narratives of its protagonists. The sample consisted of eleven community leaders from the parish of Guaytacama, in the canton of Latacunga (Ecuador), aged between 31 and 62 years old. The participants were selected through a non-probabilistic purposive sampling, typical of the qualitative approach, considering specific inclusion criteria. The study adopted a descriptive-interpretative approach, which allows for an in-depth understanding of social phenomena through the use of techniques such as observation and direct interaction with neighbourhood leaders. In this research, the application of the structured interview facilitated the collection of meaningful and contextualised information from the lived experiences of the social actors involved. This study was approved by the Research of the Social Work degree programme. Before applying the instrument, ensuring compliance with the ethical principles of voluntariness, confidentiality and anonymity. Subsequently, the interviews were transcribed and coded, highlighting those phrases, ideas and emotions that were significant for the qualitative analysis, showing that the strategies and projects implemented by the leaders have generated positive impacts within their neighbourhoods; however, there is also evidence of limited participation and collaboration on the part of the inhabitants. Finally, the analysis was carried out with the support of ATLAS software, which allowed the information to be organised by thematic categories.