SOCIAL CAPITAL AND POLITICS: FROM LOSING TRUST IN INSTITUTIONS TO CREATING A WELLBEING SOCIETY
SOCIAL CAPITAL AND POLITICS: FROM LOSING TRUST IN INSTITUTIONS TO CREATING A WELLBEING SOCIETY

Summary/Abstract: Social capital is an important factor in the society’s economic, political, and societal development. Societies/communities high in social capital are well organized and they gain their interest or profit through interest groups, and organized and well-networked communities are deemed to be a very effective mechanism for controlling powers. This proves that social capital, as one of the most significant factors, contributes to the stability of society, its economic prosperity, and political efficiency. From the standpoint of affirmation, it is the path that almost certainly leads to a prosperous society. On the other hand, societies low in social capital have less developmental opportunities, which may to a significant extent affect the functionality of the community at large. The concept of social capital comprises three main components: trust, networks, and norms. Political effectiveness of the society can be measured through social trust, and political efficiency is a necessary condition of high levels of social trust in the community. Contemporary societies are characterized by an increasing atomization of individuals, having an impact on citizen participation in civil and political processes, and consequently on the levels of trust in institutions. This paper attempts to determine the relation between social capital and politics, in other words, to identifying some of the leading causes of the loss of institutional trust. It discusses the importance of social policy regarding social capital within the framework of the public policy of society, and the measures that strengthen the wellbeing of society.

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