From the Family to Social Network. Trust, Commitment, Participation
From the Family to Social Network. Trust, Commitment, Participation

Summary/Abstract: In this paper we are focusing on correlation between economic capital and social capital: in many circumstances, building of economic capital can determine the formation of a social network, which can in turn further develop the economic capital or on the contrary lead to its decrease. Family businesses cover a big proportion of the economic space, while they have also a great specificity. This specificity is largely due to the subtle game between family commitment and individual interests or cliques, domestic subgroups. The last part of the paper presents the results of a study on mono-parental families from Transylvania’s urban and rural areas and also focuses on the forms of intergenerational exchange. Preliminary data on urban/rural mono-parental family comparative research suggests a sensible difference between the support received both in terms of the source of support as well as content of support. Using a multivariable and indicators analysis (poverty, level of education, external migration) we have interpreted the results through a variety of explicative models (such as the opportunity cost model). Empirical studies looking at the community level, formal and informal social capital, structured or circumstantial show that in community life, during the crises situation of the family in need, social capital potential is quickly transformed into a manifest and efficient solidarity. But this transformation is not enough for the mono-parental families in poverty situation. In this context, the existence of a structured form of social capital (and its permanent functioning) is crucial. Informal type of social capital is present in the extended family and kinship, while the formal type of social capital is present in the state and NGO’s programs and policies, but not yet at the degree that would be needed.

• Details
• Contents