This essay will explain and discuss the concept of social capital. Special regard will be given to its relevance today in Ireland. The work of Robert Putnam and his theory on social capital will be central to the content of this text and reference will also be made to the theories of bridging, bonding and linking with regards social capital. The benefits of strong social capital in society will be discussed, and some of the current factors contributing to its current decline will be examined, such as emigration and changes in community structure.
Social capital is a term used to summarise the mutually beneficial elements of community members sharing strong ties and supportive relationships. It is the currency used to exchange trust and reliance …show more content…
Michael Woolcock’s work identified three main factors in social capital. These are; bridging, bonding and linking. Bridging is a term used to refer to the outer social circles a person may interact with and connections due to a person’s peripheral social relationships. Bonding is determined to be close family ties individuals have with other important people in their immediate circle, such as close friends or family members. Linking is when connections are formed between people with different levels of power in the community and across hierarchies.
Social capital is especially relevant in Ireland today as it is a small country with a strong traditional value on social capital and its prominence in Irish culture. There are many benefits and advantages to social capital and these can be seen on both individual and group levels. Being part of a group or a member of a community can increase a person’s life expectancy and improve a person’s quality of life by decreasing loneliness and feelings of isolation. Putnam has stated the benefits of social …show more content…
Trends are changing, and people are having smaller families. This means that there are changes to family structures and the nature of how families interact and support each other. Combined with a traditionally high level of emigration this can lead to weakening of the bonds that social capital needs to function. According to Glynn, “No country in Europe has been as affected by emigration over the last two centuries as Ireland. Approximately ten million people have emigrated from the island Ireland since 1800.” (Glynn, 2012)
To conclude, this essay has covered social capital as a concept according to Robert Putnam and the benefits it can have on society. It has depicted its relevance in Ireland today and discussed the many ways in which it can be seen declining and being affected by modern day living and changes to traditional Irish family and housing structures. Social capital is an essential part of the fabric of society, and evidence of its value can still be seen all across the country even though it is sadly in
Social capital is a term used to summarise the mutually beneficial elements of community members sharing strong ties and supportive relationships. It is the currency used to exchange trust and reliance …show more content…
Michael Woolcock’s work identified three main factors in social capital. These are; bridging, bonding and linking. Bridging is a term used to refer to the outer social circles a person may interact with and connections due to a person’s peripheral social relationships. Bonding is determined to be close family ties individuals have with other important people in their immediate circle, such as close friends or family members. Linking is when connections are formed between people with different levels of power in the community and across hierarchies.
Social capital is especially relevant in Ireland today as it is a small country with a strong traditional value on social capital and its prominence in Irish culture. There are many benefits and advantages to social capital and these can be seen on both individual and group levels. Being part of a group or a member of a community can increase a person’s life expectancy and improve a person’s quality of life by decreasing loneliness and feelings of isolation. Putnam has stated the benefits of social …show more content…
Trends are changing, and people are having smaller families. This means that there are changes to family structures and the nature of how families interact and support each other. Combined with a traditionally high level of emigration this can lead to weakening of the bonds that social capital needs to function. According to Glynn, “No country in Europe has been as affected by emigration over the last two centuries as Ireland. Approximately ten million people have emigrated from the island Ireland since 1800.” (Glynn, 2012)
To conclude, this essay has covered social capital as a concept according to Robert Putnam and the benefits it can have on society. It has depicted its relevance in Ireland today and discussed the many ways in which it can be seen declining and being affected by modern day living and changes to traditional Irish family and housing structures. Social capital is an essential part of the fabric of society, and evidence of its value can still be seen all across the country even though it is sadly in