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Social capital

Organisations in civil society engage and connect people. In doing so, they contribute to the development of social capital. The work we have carried out in this area has aimed to explore the relationship between civil society organisations and social capital.

What is social capital? 

There are many definitions of social capital.  It is often used to refer to the social networks and norms' (such as values and trust) that bind people together.  It is seen as a resource which helps people achieve individual and collective goals.

Read about our publications and events for full details of our work. 

For more information on our work on social capital contact Véronique Jochum.

Publications

Altogether now? The role and limits of civil society associations in connecting a diverse society Altogether Now front cover

Published: September 2009

This report summarises the key themes of the seminar series on bridging social capital jointly organised by NCVO and the Carnegie UK Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society.

Download Altogether Now (PDF 910KB)

Read more about the NCVO/Carnegie UK 'Bridging' Social Capital seminar series

Social capital: beyond the theory

Published: June 2003Social_capital_beyond_the_theory

This report moves beyond the sometimes dry, academic discussions of social capital to ask the question what does the concept mean for voluntary and community organisations. 

Social capital in action: adding up local connections and networks Social capital in action - thumbnail

Published: December 2003

This report looks at the role of public policy in building social capital using case studies from East London voluntary and community organisations. 

It's who you know that counts: the role of the voluntary sector in the development of social capital in rural areasIt's who you know that counts - thumbnail

Published: January 2003 

This report explores how social capital relates to the activity of voluntary and community organisations in rural communities.  It explains how organisations contribute to different types of social capital. It also includes sections on capacity building and sustainability. 

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Events

'Bridging' social capital seminar series

organised by NCVO and the Carnegie UK Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society

Seminar 1: Building bridges (12 June 2008)
This seminar explored how civil society organisations can successfully build bridges between different communities.


Seminar 2: Social capital and dimensions of equality (31 July 2008)
This seminar looked at the relevance and limitations of the social capital concept around issues of equality and diversity. A seminar report will be available shortly.


Seminar 3: Diversity and social cohesion (29 September 2008)
This seminar explored the link between diversity, social capital and social cohesion.


Seminar 4: Intergenerational connections (20 October 2008)
This seminar examined how intergenerational practice can promote inclusiveness, collaboration and better understanding across generations.


Seminar 5: Bridging the learning divide

Date: 24 November 2008
Venue: The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, County Hall, London

This seminar explored how education institutions can promote, along with other partners, community cohesion and social inclusion.

Seminar 6: A more civil society?

Date: 13 January 2009
Venue: Carnegie, London

This seminar explored how civil society organisations can help bring people together when they have fundamentally opposing views and establish conflict resolution mechanisms.

ICT, social capital and voluntary action

05 October 2006 - part of the ESRC and NCVO seminar series on 'Engaging Citizens'

This seminar explored different views on whether ICT is strengthening or diminishing social capital.  It looked specifically at virtual voluntary action and examined how this may differ from traditional forms of face-to-face voluntary action. 

Read more about citizen engagement

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