Networks, Agency, and Community Practices in Cali-Colombia

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This document presents the results of the research conducted in Comuna 18 of Cali (Colombia), focused on the analysis of community social networks from a mixed-methods approach and under the theoretical framework of Actor-Network Theory (ANT). The study aimed to understand the articulation between human and non-human actors in shaping solidarity practices within contexts marked by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 social uprising. Social cartographies, interviews, and network analyses were carried out, revealing the emergence of new youth leaderships and self-managed care strategies. This work discusses the role of socio-material assemblages in the production of community agency, emphasizing the importance of recognizing informal networks and non-human elements as key mediators of social action.

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Type of Study This research used a mixed-methods design within a systematic and empirical process. It combined qualitative and quantitative approaches for data collection and analysis, as well as their integration and joint discussion, to obtain richer information from multiple tools. Triangulation of the data enabled us to answer the research objective, generate metainferences, and achieve a deeper understanding of the phenomenon under study (Hernández-Sampieri, Fernández-Collado, & Baptista-Lucio, 2014). Participants The study included representatives of grassroots community organizations, government institutions, and leaders of Community Action Boards in Comuna 18 of Cali. Inclusion criteria focused on individuals and organizations engaged in community work—such as listening centers, community committees, inter-institutional networks, and intervention programs—dedicated to coexistence and improving quality of life. Phases Identification and classification of actors through observation and urban walks. Characterization of functions and actors using interviews, observation, and field visits. Socialization and talking circles with community members. Analysis of human and non-human actants through interviews and discussion groups. Development of a relational matrix using Social Network Analysis (SNA) software. Narrative moments with human actants to identify non-human elements. Socialization of preliminary results and feedback sessions. Recognition of relationships (nodes and ties) using SNA software. Visualization of networks and graphs. Identification of bonding and bridging ties. Narrative sessions on solidarity practices fostered by listening centers, including obstacles, achievements, and potentials. Final socialization of results and talking circles. Public dialogues to formalize a Macro-Network. Instruments and Procedures The research used semi-structured interviews based on predefined analytical categories, an actor characterization tool, and a double-entry matrix to capture relationships among actors. The characterization tool was designed to identify and analyze actors, relationships, and conditions that affect the creation and sustainability of community networks in Comuna 18. Its validation was participatory, incorporating input from social leaders, organizations, and researchers to ensure contextual relevance. SNA provided a quantitative visualization of social networks, highlighting patterns of relationships among different social entities (Ávila-Toscano & Madariaga, 2012). A phenomenological design complemented this approach, allowing us to analyze community members’ discourses about their roles, perceived resources, and the bonds they built.

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