pals social capital

7/31/2019 PALS Social Capital

1/19

PALS Meeting, Enfield UK12-14 March 2012

Social Capital

www.enfield.gov.uk

Striving for excellence


2/19

The Meaning of Social Capital

The main thesis of social capital theory is thatrelationships matter and can make a differenceto communities.

The central idea is that social networks are avaluable asset.

www.enfield.gov.uk



3/19

The Meaning of Social Capital

Social Capital is:

The web of relationships that give us a sense of connection,belonging, and community.

Built on mutual respect, trust, and reciprocity.

Found in almost any relationship - close relationships or casualconnections - among individuals and throughout communities.

A "bridge" between people from different racial, ethnic, age, orincome groups.

A "bond" between people who have a lot in common.

Good for us - it keeps us healthier and happier!

Good for our kids - they do better in school!

Good for our communities - they're safer, more pleasant places tolive!

www.enfield.gov.uk



4/19

Definitions of Social Capital (1)

Bourdieu: 'Social capital is the 'the aggregate of the

actual or potential resources which are linked topossession of a durable network of more or lessinstitutionalized relationships of mutual acquaintanceand recognition' (Bourdieu 1983: 249).

Coleman: 'Social capital is defined by its function. It isnot a single entity, but a variety of different entities,having two characteristics in common: they all consist of

some aspect of a social structure, and they facilitatecertain actions of individuals who are within the

structure' (Coleman 1994: 302).


5/19


Putnam: 'Whereas physical capital refers to physical

objects and human capital refers to the properties ofindividuals, social capital refers to connections amongindividuals social networks and the norms ofreciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them. In

that sense social capital is closely related to what somehave called civic virtue. The difference is that socialcapital calls attention to the fact that civic virtue is most

powerful when embedded in a sense network ofreciprocal social relations. A society of many virtuous

but isolated individuals is not necessarily rich in socialcapital' (Putnam 2000: 19).

www.enfield.gov.uk



6/19


The World Bank: 'Social capital refers to the

institutions, relationships, and norms that shapethe quality and quantity of a society's socialinteractions. Social capital is not just the sum ofthe institutions which underpin a society it is

the glue that holds them together' (The WorldBank 1999

Networks together with shared norms, values andunderstandings that facilitate co-operation withinor among groups (OECD 2001)

www.enfield.gov.uk



7/19

Types of Social Capital

Bonding

Bridging

Linking

Denotes ties between people

in similar situations such asimmediate family, close friends

and neighbours.

Encompasses more distantties like persons such as loose

friendships and workcolleagues

Links/ties to those outside ofthe community enablingmembers to access a wider

range of resources than are

www.enfield.gov.uk



8/19

Aspects of Social Capital

Civic participation Voting, taking action on local ornational issues

Social networks and support

Social participation

Contact with friends & relatives

Involvement in groups & voluntaryactivities

Reciprocity and trust Giving and receiving favours, trustin other people

Views about the local area Satisfaction/problems with thearea

www.enfield.gov.uk



9/19

Features of Social Capital

Social energy

Community spirit / good neighbourliness

Social bonds

Civic virtue/active citizenship Community networks

Social resources

Informal & formal networks

www.enfield.gov.uk



10/19

Outcomes of Social Capital

Lower crime rates

Better health and improved longevity

Better educational achievement

Greater income equality Enhanced economic achievement

www.enfield.gov.uk



11/19

The Importance of Social Capital (1) Social capital allows citizens to resolve collective problems more

easily People often might be better off if they cooperate, with

each doing her share.

Social capital greases the wheels that allow communities toadvance smoothly. Where people are trusting and trustworthy, andwhere they are subject to repeated interactions with fellow citizens,everyday business and social transactions are less costly.

Social capital improves our lot is by widening our awareness of themany ways in which our fates are linked... When people lackconnection to others, they are unable to test the veracity of their

own views, whether in the give or take of casual conversation or inmore formal deliberation. Without such an opportunity, people aremore likely to be swayed by their worse impulses. (Robert Putnam (2000)Bowling Alone: The collapse and revival of American community, New York: Simon andSchuster: 288-290)

www.enfield.gov.uk



12/19

The Importance of Social Capital (2)

Networks that constitute social capital also serve as

conduits for the flow of helpful information that facilitatesachieving our goals.

Social capital also operates through psychological and

biological processes to improve individuals lives.

Community connectedness is not just about warm fuzzytales of civic triumph. In measurable and well-

documented ways, social capital makes an enormousdifference to our lives.

www.enfield.gov.uk



13/19

Policy Applications

Community cohesion

To promote a cohesive community where:

A common vision and a sense of belonging for all

communities Diversity of peoples different backgrounds and

circumstances are appreciated and positively valued

Those from different backgrounds have similar lifeopportunities; and strong and positive relationships arebeing developed between people from different backgroundsin the workplace, in schools and within neighbourhoods

www.enfield.gov.uk



14/19

Policy Applications

Civil renewal

Local people identifying and solving problemsaffecting their community

Active citizens who contribute to common good

Strengthened communities in which people work together tofind solutions to problems

Partnership in meeting public needs, with government andagencies giving appropriate support and encouraging people

to take part in democracy and influence decisions about theircommunities

www.enfield.gov.uk



15/19

Social Capital and Lifelong Learning (1)There is evidence that school childrens performance isinfluenced positively by the existence of close ties

between teachers, parents, neighbours and churchministers (Coleman, 1998).

The key conclusion from existing research is that sharednorms and stable networks tend to promote intellectual

and social development of young people and partlycompensates for other disadvantages.

Logically, then, it could be concluded that the same musthold true for adult learning. If so, then the better stock of

social capital in a community the greater the capacity formutual learning and improvements in the quality of humancapital.

www.enfield.gov.uk



16/19

Social Capital and Lifelong Learning (2)

The key question is do social networks help tocreate and exchange skills, knowledge andattitudes that in turn allows us to tap into

benefits?

If we have more social capital (stronger andmore extensive networks, then are we morelikely to learn new things and thus benefits morethan people with less social capital?

www.enfield.gov.uk



17/19

Social Capital and Lifelong Learning (3)

How could we use social capital to promoteadult learning?

Connection between social capital and lifelonglearning has acquired great significance andprominence in EU education and training policy.

The concept is also linked to competitivenessand development.

www.enfield.gov.uk



18/19

How access to social capital can benefitlifelong learning

Mastering new technology

Enhance (or damage) reputations of providers

Influence trust in tutors/trainers

Social bonds could shape general attitudestowards change (positive and negative)

Affect the capacity of particular groups to

survive external shocks.

www.enfield.gov.uk



19/19

Measuring Social Capital

Participation, social engagement, commitment

Control, self-efficacy

Perception of community level structures or

characteristics Social interaction, social networks, social

support

Trust, reciprocity, social cohesion

www.enfield.gov.uk


pals social capital

Documents