Contradictory conceptualisations of personal social relations: the anti-corruption discourse and the concept of social capital. Issue 4 (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gephart, Malte
• Is Part Of: Journal of international relations and development. Volume 19:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 475
• Page End: 499
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: anti-corruption -- corruption -- development -- post-development -- social capital; Economic development -- Periodicals; International relations -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Slovenia -- Foreign relations -- Periodicals; 327.05
• DOI: 10.1057/jird.2014.22
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1408-6980

Abstract

Abstract This paper explores conceptualisations of personal social relations in the international and transnational anti-corruption discourse (INTACD) and compares them to how the broader development discourse understands them in terms of the concept of 'social capital'. In doing so, a fundamental contradiction becomes visible: while the INTACD pictures personal social relations largely as a cause and expression of underdevelopment, social capital conceptualises them as a potential driver for development. This contradiction results in discretion regarding the evaluation of personal social relations, which can be used to reinforce an anti-statist discourse. Moreover, it reinforces the potential for paternalist relations between donor countries and recipient societies and thus in global North–South relations.