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IAHPE: Papers: Stockholm 2003 abstracts: Rolf � Gustafsson | Rolf � Gustafsson
Social capital
-�social� or �capital� ?
Abstract
This lecture presents a critical analysis of the metaphorical concept �social capital� (SC) which is widely used in public discourse. It reports several problems with SC both conceptually and in terms of possible effects on the public discourse. The time is ripe for a thorough analysis of the related conceptual apparatus including trust, interests, norms, egoism and altruism. A conceptual history of the social sciences � la Hirschman�s �passions and interests� follows: �Passions� are historically first separated from �interests�, then norms/passions are set in contradiction to economic interests and finally neo-classic economic thinking pervades the social sciences with a theoretical passion for interest. This is the historical background to the present dominance of rational choice theories and �mixed models� of human motivation implicating strategies to �embedd�, �direct� and �lubricate� rational interests by norms and SC. The need for a concept like SC is created by this circular theoretical pattern that also traps the concept of trust in atomistic, instrumental and objectivistic perspectives. Adam Smith�s theory of moral sentiment is presented as an alternative that conceptually could re-integrate norms, interests and reflexion. Together with an Habermasian perspective, Smith�s analysis of recognition and respect render a shift of focus possible; from �how to enhance co-operation and economic growth by social capital, trust and confidence� to �how to secure democratic deliberation in civil society in order to create warranted and reflexive trust�.
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