Abstract
D. Litt. et Phil
The study focuses on the role of social capital in socio-economic development in
developing political economies. While the concept of social capital originated as a
sociological construct focusing on social relations, the theoretical debate has recently
developed towards a grounding in political science, political development and political
economy.
Despite these advancements, a universally accepted definition has not been arrived at.
However, there is consensus regarding the elements of social capital, which include
norms, networks, institutions, relationships, civic engagement, membership of voluntary
associations, trust, reciprocity and altruism. Dimensions of social capital include the
structural and the cognitive, and types include bonding, bridging and linking social
capital. This study examines the role of linking social capital, specifically in facilitating
the relationship between state and society, aimed at mutual benefit. Social capital is
regarded as a resource, particularly in communities with limited or no access to other,
more traditional forms of capital. Operationalisation of social capital is examined by
means of a comparative and analytical review of existing indexes, case studies and
surveys. In this regard, initiatives in both developed and developing political economies
are examined.
The study emphasises the multi-disciplinary nature of social capital and propagates its
value in socio-economic development. Empirical data that confirm the relationship
between social capital and economic growth are presented. Initiatives to contribute to the development of conceptual frameworks and to increase and improve qualitative data are assessed, in order to determine the contribution of social capital to socio-economic
development. In this regard, particular emphasis is placed on the important contribution
of the World Bank’s Social Capital Initiative.
The literature emphasises the interdependence of politics and economy and the study
highlights the need for a political economy approach to socio-economic development. In
this regard, the development initiatives of various multi-lateral development agencies are
examined. The focus is on the current trend to follow a political economy approach to
country strategies, programmes and projects aimed at achieving socio-economic
development. The study concludes that social capital is a valuable element in this regard
and argues that political economy analysis tools are well placed to integrate social capital in a multi-disciplinary approach to address poverty and socio-economic development challenges.