Social Capital
An introduction
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June 1998
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Abstract
Social capital is the mutual sense of reciprocity and trust which enables groups of people to live and work together successfully. In this article the Minister for Family Services discusses the concept of social capital and its implications for social policy. He outlines the importance of effectively functioning communities, their relationship to the overall well being and prosperity of society at large, and in particular the value and role of the family at the centre of policy framework.
Social capital is the mutual sense of reciprocity and trust which enables groups of people to live and work together successfully. In this article the Minister for Family Services discusses the concept of social capital and its implications for social policy. He outlines the importance of effectively functioning communities, their relationship to the overall well being and prosperity of society at large, and in particular the value and role of the family at the centre of policy framework.