Producing social capital as a development strategy: Implications at the micro-level. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seferiadis, Anastasia A.; Cummings, Sarah; Zweekhorst, Marjolein B.M.; Bunders, Joske F.G.
• Is Part Of: Progress in development studies. Volume 15:Number 2(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 170
• Page End: 185
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Social capital -- literature reviews -- poverty alleviation -- development; Economic development -- Periodicals; Development economics -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Periodicals; 307.14
• DOI: 10.1177/1464993414565530
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1464-9934

Abstract

This article considers how social capital can contribute to poverty alleviation at the micro-level, based on an analysis of the documentary evidence provided by theoretical perspectives and empirical studies. Across countries and contexts, micro-credit, agricultural production and marketing, environmental protection and knowledge networking are linked to productive social capital. Four mechanisms to strengthen social capital are identified: structural opportunity to meet, 'know-how' of social interaction, sense of belonging and an ethos of mutuality. We envision that opportunities within the development practice exist to foster such mechanisms, and recommend in-depth studies to enhance our understanding of social capital production mechanisms.