Description
Since the early 1990s the contrast between the primacy of the state and the market has lost importance. After the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and the negative social side-effects of western capitalism (Reaganomics became Thatcheritis), the attention of political ideologists and social scientists has shifted to a ‘Third Way’, characterised by a large role for civil society.
In social sciences this trend became visible when political scientist Robert Putnam placed his concept of ‘social capital’ high on the scientific agenda. Social capital emphasises citizen’s participation (“civic engagement”), trust and norms of citizenship as driving socio-political forces. These three elements are considered to be an all-purposive elixir: countries with high levels of social capital are supposedly more democratic, prosperous, stable, healthy and safe. Yet, a threat looms over Western societies: social capital is claimed to be on the decline. Voluntary associations have ever less members, political distrust is rising. In the end this would destabilise society and undermine the functioning of democracy. At least, these are the claims. But do these claims hold?
In this course students are introduced to the social capital approach. Firstly, they will be given an overview of the research field: what is social capital, what are the major claims in the social capital approach, and what was the critical response to these claims? Secondly, we focus on the separate aspects of social capital: social and political trust, social and political participation, and finally citizenship. Thirdly, in the final meetings we delve more deeply into four ongoing debates in the field of social capital. Do voluntary associations function as schools of democracy? Is social capital in decline? Can the state stimulate social capital? And is ethnic diversity harmful to social capital?
Throughout the course, students learn to integrate conceptual issues with methodological choices. A critical review of the literature on social capital shows the possibilities and pitfalls of social capital research. To pass the course, students are expected to give a presentation and write a theoretical or empirical essay that contributes to the social capital debate.
Throughout the course, students learn to integrate conceptual issues with methodological choices. A critical review of the literature on social capital shows the possibilities and pitfalls of social capital research. To pass the course, students are expected to give a presentation and write a theoretical or empirical essay that contributes to the social capital debate.
Methods of instruction
interactive lectures
Study material
selected articles and chapters (approx. 40 pages per week)
Examination
Final paper
Time table
Monday February 2, till March 23, 11.00 a.m. -13.00 p.m. in 1A09 and
Friday February 6, till March 27, 11.00 a.m. -13.00 p.m. in 1A22