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Beyond Social Capital pp 17–43Cite as

Palgrave Macmillan

Rethinking Social Capital

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Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in Compromise after Conflict ((PSCAC))

Abstract

Social capital is an immensely popular topic in the social sciences. The merits and limitations of its theoretical conceptualization have been debated by scholars for over two decades. These debates tend to problematize social capital theory’s conceptualization, its application to social phenomena and policy prescription, as well as its peculiar relationship to the uncivil tendencies that describe the “dark side of social capital” (Putnam 2000). To date, few of social capital theory’s problems have been adequately resolved, leaving ample room for further discussion and conceptualization by its exponents.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    This finding is consistent with Bourdieu’s view of social capital stemming from actors in pursuit of their own interests. It should be noted that Leonard’s study concerned the application of Putnam’s understanding of social capital, where the concept is more generally associated with collective interests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Peace and Justice Studies Program, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA

    Laura K. Graham

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Graham, L.K. (2016). Rethinking Social Capital. In: Beyond Social Capital. Palgrave Studies in Compromise after Conflict. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137518675_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137518675_2

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  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-51866-8

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