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The Puzzle of Social Capital: A Critical Review

Author

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  • Quibria, M. G.

    (Asian Development Bank)

Abstract

This paper identifies four serious conceptual and empirical problems associated with the literature on social capital. First, the concept of social capital remains largely elusive, with many different ideas attached to it. This elusiveness has serious ramifications for empirical and policy analysis. Second, while the concept of social capital is used to highlight the positive, productive aspects of sociability, it fails in important ways to qualify as a form of capital. Third, there are both theoretical and empirical presumptions to suggest that social capital can to lead to undesirable socioeconomic outcomes. Finally, a large body of empirical work on social capital remains mired in measurement and estimation problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Quibria, M. G., 2003. "The Puzzle of Social Capital: A Critical Review," ADB Economics Working Paper Series 40, Asian Development Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:adbewp:0040
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    conceptual issues; empirical problems; social capital; sociability; undesirable outcomes;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D70 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - General
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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