THE HANDBOOK OF SOCIAL CAPITAL by Dario Castiglione (Editor), Jan W. van Deth (Editor), Guglielmo Wolleb (Editor) ( 9780199271238 )

Item Details

Title:

THE HANDBOOK OF SOCIAL CAPITAL

By:

Dario Castiglione (Editor), Jan W. van Deth (Editor), Guglielmo Wolleb (Editor)

Format:

Hardback

List price:	£160.00
We currently do not stock this item, please contact the publisher directly for further information.

ISBN 10:

0199271232

ISBN 13:

9780199271238

Publisher:

OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Pub. date:

17 April, 2008

Pages:

744

Description:

The study of social capital is one of the most exciting recent developments in the social sciences. Written by some of the main experts in the field this Handbook is an authoritative, critical, and innovative introduction to the study of social capital.

Synopsis:

Social capital is a relatively new concept in the social sciences. In the last twenty or so years it has come to indicate that networks of social relationships represent a 'resource' for both the individual and society, since they provide support for the individual and facilitate collective action. Although this is not an entirely new idea, the more systematic way in which social capital captures such an intuition has created a new theoretical paradigm and helped to develop a series of innovative research programmes in politics, economics, and the study of human well-being. The concept has gained currency beyond academia, extending its influence to political and policy-making circles at local, national, and international levels. It has also affected the way in which social surveys are conceived and public policies assessed. As the idea of social capital has spread, the literature about it has increased exponentially. After twenty years of rapid expansion it is time for a more considered and critical assessment of how the original concept has been adapted and refined, and how successful its application has been. The Handbook of Social Capital intends to do precisely that.It offers a state-of-the-art view of discussions about the concept of social capital and the way in which it has been applied in empirical research. The organization of the Handbook reflects this intention by focusing on conceptual development and analysis in the first part; by identifying two main areas of research in which social capital has favoured the development of new and influential research programmes - political participation in democratic societies, and economic development; and by exploring the more normative and policy oriented consequences of social capital. All chapters comprising the volume were specifically written for the Handbook by some of the main experts in the fields. The book provides authoritative and innovative introduction to the study of social capital.

Illustrations:

tables and figures

Publication:

Imprint:

Oxford University Press

Returns:

Non-returnable

Some other items by this author:

A FOUCAULT PRIMER

CITIZENSHIP AND INVOLVEMENT IN EUROPEAN DEMOCRACIES