Assessing Social Capital: Concept, Policy and Practice

by Rosalind Edwards (Editor), Jane Franklin (Editor), Janet Holland (Editor)

Social capital is a key concept in academic research and policymaking internationally. It focuses attention on social relationships, values, and access to resources in families, communities, regions and nations. But does the concept, with its focus on particular aspects of social life and the thrust of its influence on policy initiatives, hide more than it illuminates? Is it even harmful? Can social capital ideas be amended or adapted to bring other issues into view, or are there alternative concepts that are better able to address contemporary social, economic and political life?This edited collection brings together contributions, including from internationally renowned researchers, that assess social capital - as a theoretical concept, its shaping of policy development, and its practices in research and everyday life. Some reveal the conceptual lacks and policy drawbacks of social capital, and put forward alternatives. Others pursue mainstream models and their adaptation.

Hardcover

First published November 1, 2006

About the author

Rosalind Edwards is Professor in Social Policy, and an elected member of the Academy of Social Sciences, University of Southampton. Ros recently joined the Division from London South Bank University where she directed a 5-year ESRC research group programme of work concerned with families and social capital. She is founding and co-editor of the International Journal of Social Research Methodology.

(from http://www.bloomsbury.com/author/rosa...)