Myth of Social Capital in Community Development
The articles by James Deffilipis-Myth of Social Capital in Community Development rationally lays the facts about the concept of social capital. The social capital is one of the philosophical approaches adopted by the scholar’s aims to boost a meaningful coexistence between various social groups. Social capital influences the way people react to challenges and environmental pressures; moreover, the theory lays an understanding of how the youth, for example, solve social issues as they relate to each other. Shared norms, values, and trust among family members, for example, would imply good progress in acquiring economic resources. However, according to Robert Putnam -one of the authors of the articles argues that cooperation between parents may not make their children get an adequate education. Determined families facing constant wriggles due to external human pressures resulting in some push and pull may still excel. The impact that social capital bought about by active participation of human capital produces public goods for a common good of the social setup. It is in this basis that the paper unpacks the myths of social capital in community development as the theory fails to understand the issues of power in community advancements.
As demonstrated on the article the success of an individual in realizing goals is effectively achieved due to a combined effort among social groupings. It is indeed pertinent, however, to understand that any social gatherings that are out to empower its members in economic clusters need to have well-established bylaws. These set rules and regulations moderate the member’s behavior, especially when people from various communities come together. The author of the article fails to agree to the fact that teamwork brings better performance. Laxity among team members hinder progress and derail the achievement of the organization’s set objectives. A healthy Interpersonal relationship in any social set up is a vital element to economic development.
A detailed analysis of the ideas explained by the author in the article, the civic connection makes people’s minds healthy resulting in a rational decision. Living without social capital is not very possible as no single individual lives in isolation. Human capital, together with economic and social capital, makes some social institutions function effectively. Perfect integration of the social pillars improves the quality of public life. It is crucial to understand that core values guiding a social unit have to be authentic and dynamic. Putnam, in the article, further argues that social capital is something that is possessed by people in their diverse spheres of influence. The notion of individual possession of social capital to communities and even nations is misguided. Putnam further argues that a society cannot ideally possess anything, though an institution and individual can possess material things. The articles explain that communities are pure products of a complicated set of political, cultural, and economic advancements. As viewed by DeFillipis, cities are outcomes of the social interactions but not actors, thereby redefining the status to communities.
Social capital and civil society are also intertwined. For communities to developed and advance in their aspirations, people need to act towards the achievement the shared goals and interests. Public education would certainly change some of the set power relations believed to be colonial. People’s voices in fighting for human rights need to be structured. One’s rights should not infringe on other people’s rights living in the same community and neighborhood.
In conclusion, social capital demands logical thinkers who understand the complexes of social challenges. Better connection and whole individual network with diverse interest is arguable. Common interest should not be used as his basis for personal exploitation either by the society or the nation at large.