The role of voluntary organizations in the development and retention of social capital in areas of persistent poverty

Abstract

<p>Current sociological literature on social capital has examined the issue of the role of voluntary organizations in the development of social capital primarily at the individual level of analysis, notably the work of Bourdieu, Coleman, and Portes and Sensenbrenner. This has been closely linked with sociological work in community studies and civil society, particularly as it relates to community action and development, particularly through the work of Wilkinson, Flora and Flora, and Tilly. But sociological literature has paid little attention to the role of organizations as vehicles for the expression of collective agency, thus linking individuals to communities through the realm of civil society, as defined and developed by Gramsci, Putnam, and Morton. I theorize that investments of labor and resources into voluntary organizations can be considered institutional capital, which aids in the formation and retention of social capital by individuals. In areas of persistent poverty, unequal power distribution leads to the development of what Gaventa calls quiescence, and favors "growth machine" processes as described by Logan & Molotch, both of which are to the detriment of civil society. I theorize that voluntary organizations that work to develop bridging social capital can build civil society and reduce persistent poverty, leading to the development of structural pluralism. A comparative case study of two Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community sites is used to illustrate the value of institutional capital and the necessity of transformative community development strategies as an alternative to traditional and direct action approaches. It is found that the presence of free spaces, a sustained and open process of citizen participation, autonomy from government and the private sector, opportunities to build bridging social capital and a community field orientation leads to the growth of social capital, development of civil society and helps reduce persistent poverty.</p>