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Communities, Social Capital and Public Policy: Literature Review

Author

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  • David Johnson

    (Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne)

  • Bruce Headey

    (Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne)

  • Ben Jensen

    (Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne)

Abstract

In this paper we explore the meaning and relevance of community and social capital, working mainly in economics though drawing on other disciplines. Economic studies of community have focussed in one of two main areas, neighbourhood studies and regional economics. We discuss the contributions of both to understanding about communities. In public discourse the concept of social capital has emerged as a resonant measure of community strength. Our review suggests that is a slippery concept with ambivalent and sometimes ambiguous interpretation. Nevertheless it has been useful in suggesting guidelines for development of public policy in relation to community. The relationship between social capital and the family, education, ethnicity, democracy, health, happiness, crime and economic performance are considered in this working paper. International comparative data is used to evaluate social capital in Australia. To clarify the sometimes cloudy meaning, our review suggest four principles for measuring social capital; distinguish between structure and content, specify the arena or area of activity to which a measure applies, specify the level of aggregation at which the measure applies and assess the net benefit of social capital empirically. We explored policies for strengthening community in Australia and the UK. Studies of both local area initiatives and proposals at the national level are considered. Issues of governance are discussed in relation to the application of policy to communities and the review concludes with some suggestions for further research.

Suggested Citation

  • David Johnson & Bruce Headey & Ben Jensen, 2003. "Communities, Social Capital and Public Policy: Literature Review," Melbourne Institute Working Paper Series wp2003n26, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne.
    • Handle: RePEc:iae:iaewps:wp2003n26
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    File URL: http://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/downloads/working_paper_series/wp2003n26.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Benabou, Roland, 1994. "Human capital, inequality, and growth: A local perspective," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 38(3-4), pages 817-826, April.
    2. Olivier Jean Blanchard & Lawrence F. Katz, 1992. "Regional Evolutions," Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Economic Studies Program, The Brookings Institution, vol. 23(1), pages 1-76.
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    Cited by:

    1. Isabel Neira Gómez & María Cadaval Sampedro & Marta Portela, 2010. "Ayuda al desarrollo, capital humano, capital social y crecimiento: una visión de la situación en Latinoamérica," Investigaciones de Economía de la Educación volume 5, in: María Jesús Mancebón-Torrubia & Domingo P. Ximénez-de-Embún & José María Gómez-Sancho & Gregorio Gim (ed.), Investigaciones de Economía de la Educación 5, edition 1, volume 5, chapter 53, pages 1044-1060, Asociación de Economía de la Educación.
    2. Isabel Neira Gómez & Marta Portela, 2011. "Determinantes del capital social," Investigaciones de Economía de la Educación volume 6, in: Antonio Caparrós Ruiz (ed.), Investigaciones de Economía de la Educación 6, edition 1, volume 6, chapter 60, pages 986-1001, Asociación de Economía de la Educación.

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