Social Capital
What is Social Capital??
Robert Putnam states in his book Bowling Alone that … “Social Capital refers to connections among individuals – social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them” …
- Individual and group benefit
- Can exclude certain individuals or groups
- Can be used as a tool for building community
David Halpern’s Book Social Capital looks at the concept from a broader perspective in looking at cross national and cultural difference and how all of this has potential to benefit society more as a whole.
Example of Social Capital in building community through music
In the Context of Community Music, A great example of Social Capital is right on our door step in the form of Inshallah. This group was started as the result of a trip of students and teachers from Waterloo Lutheran Seminary to Israel and Palestine in 2007. The groups mandate is to bridge cross cultures gaps through the singing and telling of people’s stories from across the globe.
This group started off with twenty people in 2007. Since then, it has grown to more than 130 people from a diverse range of cultural and religious background. They come to share their stories through music, and to learn from each other. By doing so, have created a community where all are welcomed, accepted and appreciated, regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation. Inshallah is a prime example of how Social Capital can be used as a tool for bridging gaps and breaking down social barriers in our society.