Structuring Local Associative Systems of Wellbeing

Abstract

This article presents, first, the characteristics of local associative systems based on empirical data from the province of Quebec, Canada. The information, of a quantitative and qualitative nature, reveals a great diversity of the local associative systems. Thus, in the second moment, the text presents an analysis of the dimensions that contribute to this diversity. Two types of phenomena structure this diversity of associations: structural phenomena and interpretive phenomena. Structural phenomena include the territory, the associations' age, their size and the type of use of services. As far as interpretative phenomena are concerned, we explore the dynamics of social relations and of the constructed schemas of interpretation. Finally, the text underlines the context and capacity for social innovation of these associations.