Abstract
This article argues that Robert Putnam's social capital thesis is too society-centred and undervalues state agency and associated political factors. It explores the role of institutional design in explaining how governments can shape the development of social capital and its potential influence upon democratic performance. New Labour's programme of 'democratic renewal' within British local government provides an excellent opportunity to assess the relevance of institutional design to arguments about social capital and democracy. We propose that prospects for the creation and mobilization of social capital may depend as much upon the process as the content of institutional design.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 629-647 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Political Studies |
Volume | 49 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2001 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Sociology and Political Science