With reference to sociological theory and concepts covered in lectures to date, critically analyse the extent to which the areas of social capital, the voluntary and community sector, and governmental policy are interconnected.

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Donna Binyon 06251995                            Volunteering and Community Networking

Liz Cain                                                            Word Count: 1989              

With reference to sociological theory and concepts covered in lectures to date, critically analyse the extent to which the areas of social capital, the voluntary and community sector, and governmental policy are interconnected.

This essay will first explore the three areas of social capital, the third sector and governmental policy, outlining different forms and theories of each, exploring key themes and identifying some of their strengths and weaknesses. By doing this, it will be possible to critically analyse the extent to which each area is interconnected and examples of this will be provided, looking at possible implications and impacts or challenges.

The first area to explore consists of social capital, which relates to social networks, the people we trust and mutual exchange of favours, the main feature here being social networks as they can be valuable to both the individual and the community, allowing information to be shared as well as promoting individuals and communities to be more trusting and equal.

Social capital has been defined in different ways over the years; James Coleman developed the concept as:

“The types of relations that exist between individuals as located within both families and communities, and that are said to exert a strong influence on levels of educational achievement.” Scott, J. and G. Marshall, (2005:606).

This view linking relationships within families and communities as a determinant of individuals’ social capital, identifying certain achievements as strong if these relationships are strong too:

“Deficiencies in social capital – such as would follow from single-parenthood, decreased parental involvement with the child or with family activities, and low levels of interaction between adults and especially parents in local communities – were detrimental to development in adolescence.” Scott, J. and G. Marshall, (2005:606).

Other influences on social capital include the social structures and the environment, which surround individuals, as well as their culture, norms and sanctions. This demonstrated in the three different types of networks within social capital, which include bonding, bridging and linking.

‘Bonding’ can be described as the social support we may receive from the people we are close to as part of our backgrounds, it “Relates to common identity, for example ties among people who are similar to each other…within communities.” ‘I&DeA’, (21/10/08), which include family members, individuals sharing the same ethnic groups or clubs.

While ‘Bridging’ can be described as the social cohesion between individuals and groups, bringing people together who would not normally relate to each other, it “Relates to diversity, for example ties among people who are different from one an other…across communities.” ‘I&DeA’, (21/10/08), which includes the conversations of varied views and interests between associations.

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Lastly, ‘Linking’, where the associations between those gaining independence and democratic lifestyles due to status are links with those in authority, it “Relates to power, for example ties with those in authority or between different social classes between communities and organisations and with structures outside communities.” ‘I&DeA’, (21/10/08), which includes powerful institutions and the decision-making process for example, local authorities.

It is important to suggest that for social capital to be strong, ‘Bridging’ is the most important concept as it allows for more information to be passed between individuals and greater confidence for individuals and groups to become more involved ...

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