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.

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.

The researchers:

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.

Social Capital Working Group; Glasgow Centre for Population Health
Valerie Millar (Communications Manager), tel. + 44 (0) 141 221 9439

01/01/2006

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FMR Research

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration

Community development