The Heart of the Matter

  • Patricia Illingworth
Chapter

Abstract

Before turning to the main argument of this book, it will help to have a good understanding of what social capital is and what it brings with it. This is easier said than done. There is no single definition of social capital. Deservedly, it has been the subject of study by researchers and practitioners from a variety of fields, each with their own focus. Although traditionally a political, sociological and economic concept, more recently social capital has been the focus of the field of public health. It has also been embraced by government, practitioners in management and development. In the first half of 2011, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) included social connections and civic engagement — both associated with social capital — among the key indicators of well-being for people living in developed economies and some emerging economies. For the World Bank, “social capital is a concept that has significant implications for enhancing the quality, effectiveness and sustainability of World Bank operations, particularly those that are based on community action.”1

Keywords

Social Capital Civic Engagement Social Trust Free Rider Voluntary Association 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Notes

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Copyright information

© Patricia Illingworth 2012

Authors and Affiliations

  • Patricia Illingworth
    • 1
  1. 1.Northeastern UniversityUSA

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