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Hi Sachin, Like you, I am not an expert in this subject, and am only just exploring its possibilities, while looking whether the concept has any use to Goa. Preliminary indications would suggest so.
On Mon, 4 Oct 2004, Sachin Phadte wrote:
Perhaps we often look to the government to do many things for us, and then complain when they do not fulfill our expectations. Social organisations are a very effective self-help groups.
I don't think 'social capital' can be used as an excuse for governments -- funded by citizen's money -- to evade their responsibility of doing their job. Non-governmental organisations can play a role, but that is an addition to effective governance. Not a replacement for it!
To take the issue forward, we need to know how we can measure the social capital.
Many answers to your queries are on the Net.
See some of the bullet-points at http://www.analytictech.com/networks/definitions_of_social_capital.htm which are a good indication in themselves:
What is social capital:
* results from networks
* inheres in networks
* access to resources controlled by network members
* structure of networks
* individual position in networks
* trust
* result of trust
* results in trust
* norms, especially norm of reciprocity
* volunteerism
* belonging to clubs, associations
* property of groups
* property of individuals
* property of dyads
* creates human capital
* created by human capital
* determines the rate of return on human capital
* something that cumulates (build up "stocks")
* facilitates individual action
* expectation of action that has economic outcomes
* something that has social outcomes
* something that solves common/group problems
* cooperative behavior
* brokerage
* reputation / statusDifferent societies may need different types of social capital. Does Fred have any suggestions about what types would be best suited for Goa?
This would need a much better understanding of the subject.
There's a very useful literature review at http://www.caledonia.org.uk/soc_cap.htm
This includes:
* Some Definitions of Social Capital
* Five mechanisms for how social capital affects outcomes
* Creating (and Destroying) Social Capital * Intervening to Strengthen Social Capital - Self-help Groups * References and Further Information
As a matter of query what is the difference between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private voluntary organizations (PVOs)? I am surprised to see a mention of citizens' militia included in the list of civil society institutions. Correct me if I am wrong, but a militia is an armed organisation.
Going by the Net again, this term has varied interpretations in varied places. Obviously, the reference is to the positive interpretation.
Organized religion is also included in the list. Hinduism is not an organized religion, despite of attempts of some to make it so. Does this mean that Hinduism cannot have a role, while Islam and Christianity can?
Hinduism may not have a unified Church, a founder, or a single holy book. But that does not mean it isn't an organised religion, does it?
See, for example http://www.teacher.co.za/cms/article_2003_03_14_5414.html
-- begin quote --
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF HINDUISM Mar 14, 2003
Hinduism differs from Western religions in that it does not have a single founder, a specific theological system, a single system of morality, or a central, religious organization. It consists of thousands of different
religious groups that have evolved in India since 1500 BC. Hinduism is generally regarded as the world's oldest organised religion.
Hinduism has grown to become the world's third-largest religion, after Christianity and Islam. It claims about 762-million followers -- 13% of the world's population. It is the dominant religion in India, Nepal and among the Tamils in Sri Lanka.
-- end quote --
In Goa itself, there have been examples of Hinduism's involvement in social reform (anti-alcoholism movement of Brahmanand Swami, self-reform campaign within the Devadasi/Gomant Maratha Community since the 1920s, initiatives in the 'eighties for taking care of elderly citizens, library initiatives in Panjim and elsewhere, emigrant-based initiatives like the Goa Hindu Association in Bombay, etc). Outside Goa, the campaigns of reformist Swami Agnivesh of the Arya Samaj -- on issues like bonded labour, the need for inter-religious understanding, combatting fanaticism, etc -- is akin to building an indigenous "Liberation Theology" within Hinduism.
FN
