A social capital framework and assessment for Glasgow: final report - UK

Description

Looks at five dimensions of social capital: social participation; social networks and social support; reciprocity and trust; civic participation; and people’s views of the local area. Sets out findings on the level of social capital in Glasgow under each dimension and indicates the data sources used for each.

Background information

The report was produced in response to the OECD’s challenge to Glasgow to become “really ambitious”. Scottish Enterprise identified four areas for focus, one of which was social capital. The context is growing research and policy interest in the concept of social capital which is defined as the degree to which people communicate and work together to achieve mutual benefits in economic performance or other areas.

Methodology

The researchers:

• held a development workshop involving a range of stakeholders;
• selected secondary data capable of illuminating social capital;
• developed a questionnaire and conducted focus groups with a range of Glasgow citizens;
• conducted interviews with representatives of prominent Glasgow organisations with an interest in social capital.

Conclusions

Finds that Glaswegians feel they possess significant levels of 'bonding' social capital (the ability to form links and relationships with groups and individuals regarded as similar). Glaswegians are less optimistic about the city's reservoir of "bridging" social capital (the ability to form links and relationships with groups and individuals perceived to be different). Makes recommendations of ways in which the city’s levels of social capital could be enhanced.

Publication date

1/1/2006