Twenty-first International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

Representation and communication are integral elements in establishing social capital, primarily based on the way individuals or groups are depicted or reflected in various forms of communication, media, or culture. Furthermore, the process of exchanging information, ideas, and emotions through language, symbols, signs, gestures, or other modes of expression creates identity that becomes the predominant culture. The way representation and communication are employed can either promote neutral, shared, or oppositional cultural norms among people, which then play a major role in shaping our understanding of who we are at the level of our identity. It is only until words and symbols have a clear and agreed-upon inclusive, affirmative, and supportive meaning across different cultures that we can create a new culture where well-being can occur for all. In this approach, a healthy social capital is created, whereby individuals within that cultural that are exposed to that culture can thrive. The Church as an institution has long been viewed as a center for social interaction, where individuals of different backgrounds and beliefs come together to share their faith and traditions, resulting in a healthy social capital that can be used within the context of the church setting and in the larger society. We explore experiences within the church setting to create social capital, which serves as a container for belonging, neutral communication, inter being, and shared representation of positive traits applicable in society outside of the four-walls of the church.