Social and cultural capital in Western Balkan societies
Social and cultural capital in Western Balkan societies
Author(s): Predrag Cvetičanin, Ana Birešev
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Civil Society, Governance, Sociology
Published by: Institut za filozofiju i društvenu teoriju
Keywords: social and cultural capital; Western Balkans societies; social stratification and inequality; post-socialist transition; forms of power and domination; institutional practices
Summary/Abstract: The volume is the result of an attempt to, generally speaking, apply a Bourdieusian research model to the study of transition and social stratification in the transition (post-socialist) period of Serbia and the broader Western Balkans region. The authors follow the relationship between social and cultural capital across various domains. The majority of contributions published in this volume were presented at the conference “Social and Cultural Capital in Western Balkan Societies” organized in June, 2011. The book’s purpose is to open up a debate on various topics and expand our knowledge of the forms of power that structure Western Balkan societies.
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-86-89079-02-9
- Page Count: 216
- Publication Year: 2012
- Language: English
The concept of social capital in academic discussion and in public policy
The concept of social capital in academic discussion and in public policy
(The concept of social capital in academic discussion and in public policy)
- Author(s):Suzana Ignjatović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Sociology, Politics and society, Sociology of Politics, Politics and Identity
- Page Range:11-27
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:social capital; academic discourse; public policy
- Summary/Abstract:The paper aims to provide an overview of contemporary theories of social capital. The concept of social capital was introduced into academic discourse at the beginning of the 20th century, but it became popular at the end of 20thcentury. The paper presents a short history of the concept (authors Hanifan and Dewey). The central part of the paper focuses on current theoretical developments. The main three lines of the theoretical conceptualization of social capital are presented: three dominant authors (Bourdieu, Coleman, Putnam), economic/development theories (Becker, Glaeser, Temple, Fukuyama), and network theories of social capital (Nan Lin). Three dimensions are briefly discussed in all the above theories: definition, paradigmatic framework, and methodology. The concluding part of the paper deals with another distinct issue with regard to the concept of social capital, its popularity in public policy and political discourse at the end of 20th century.
The significance and meaning of expressive and instrumental social capital for young people from different social strata
The significance and meaning of expressive and instrumental social capital for young people from different social strata
(The significance and meaning of expressive and instrumental social capital for young people from different social strata)
- Author(s):Smiljka Tomanović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Sociology, Sociology of Politics
- Page Range:29-39
- No. of Pages:11
The Application of the Concept of Social Capital in Understanding Marriage and Family in Contemporary Serbia
The Application of the Concept of Social Capital in Understanding Marriage and Family in Contemporary Serbia
(The Application of the Concept of Social Capital in Understanding Marriage and Family in Contemporary Serbia)
- Author(s):Mirjana V. Bobić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Sociology, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology, Sociology of Politics
- Page Range:41-58
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:social capital; social demography; marriage; family; Serbia
- Summary/Abstract:The paper tackles the application of the concept of social capital to the sociodemographic analysis of marriage and family in contemporary Serbia (without Kosovo and Metohija). In the first part of the paper an analytical framework is introduced. The author adheres to Bourdieu’s and Coleman’s standpoints. These are complemented with Becker’s paradigm of new economics of households, all of which has proved to be a solid theoretical basis for demography. By that token, paradigms of social and human capital have been related to the demographic discourse. Demographic processes and structures are interpreted by way of exchange of capitals and resources (biological, economic, social, cultural and symbolic) among individuals and social networks (relatives, family group) based on values of trust and reciprocity and aimed at bio-social and reproduction of habitus. Individuals are treated as actors acting both rationally and irrationally in a very sensitive domain of personal life in which both objective structures (positions) and disposition/choices are overlapping. The empirical evidence is twofold, consisting of demographic statistics and empirical findings derived from four surveys carried out by the Institute for sociological research, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade. Field research on socio-demographics, gender and intergenerational relations and value profiles indicate to the dominance of bonding capital to the expense of bridging and linking ones, due to uncompleted social transformation, low living standards and insufficient democratic culture, individualization and mistrust in state and institutions. Therefore private sphere is overwhelmingly strengthened but at the same time it is highly risky (conflict). Results highlight that gender relations are persistently patriarchal, asymmetrical and complementary (“the rule of male”), but some shifts are nevertheless evident. Lack of welfare state combined with structural barriers slower emancipation, females’ in particular and challenges the separation of youth. Young generations delay transition into adulthood and union formation. They even choose to reject them instead of performing some major shifts. Combined stalled social and demographic transformation produce great demographic losses (negative natural growth, emigration and depopulation) and social disadvantages as well. In conclusion the revitalization of demographic regime is shortly considered. It is perceived through the democratization of gender and intergenerational relations as well as by way of readjustment of social institutions to the change of demographic regime in the 21st century.
Two Faces of Social Capital in Structural Trends: Bonding and Bridging
Two Faces of Social Capital in Structural Trends: Bonding and Bridging
(Two Faces of Social Capital in Structural Trends: Bonding and Bridging)
- Author(s):Slobodan M. Miladinović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Anthropology, Sociology
- Page Range:59-73
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:social capital; social power; social structure; discrimination
- Summary/Abstract:Social capital can be analyzed from several different points of view. One of them involves the distinction between bonding and bridging. This distinction differentiates between social networks which bind together those who have some similar characteristics, created in order to protect their particular interests, and social networks which connect people with different social characteristics bridging their differences and creating a net of stakeholders able to solve specific problems of wider social significance. A major feature of the former type is exclusion and of the latter inclusion. This means that the former can have a negative social impact, if observed at the level of social structure, because it homogenizes and closes the ranks of a group while excluding those who do not belong. On the other hand, the social effect of the second type could be positive, because it builds trust between members of different groups. On the basis of these differences it can be assumed that social capital essentially carries the potential for overall development, but also the potential for social pathologies, such as discrimination, nepotism, corruption, organized crime and the like. The aim of this paper is to highlight the possible negative dimension of social capital that has especially come to the fore in societies with closed social structure and an incomplete legal system, societies beset by development problems, high concentration and centralization in the distribution of social power and generally, societies that are going through some kind of transition.
Social Capital as a Basis for Collective Action – the Case of Environmental Activism in Two Towns in Serbia
Social Capital as a Basis for Collective Action – the Case of Environmental Activism in Two Towns in Serbia
(Social Capital as a Basis for Collective Action – the Case of Environmental Activism in Two Towns in Serbia)
- Author(s):Jelisaveta Vukelić, Irena Petrović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Sociology, Environmental interactions
- Page Range:75-90
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Social Capital; Collective Action; Environmental Activism
- Summary/Abstract:It is often argued that social capital can foster cooperation among citizens and produce more effective solutions to collective problems, enhancing the attainment of common goals (Putnam, 1993,2000). Namely, if communication is well developed, if people express solidarity and have trust in each other, successful shared endeavours and joint solving of problems would be more probable. On the other hand, in the societies that lack the tradition of cooperative efforts of citizens (bridging capital is not developed), it is much harder to start a collective action (Putnam, 1993). Based upon the results of an empirical study conducted in two Serbian towns with significant environmental issues – Pančevo (N=450) and Bor (N=350) – the aim of this paper is to test the hypothesis of connection between social capital and environmental activism. Answers will be sought to the following questions: what is the level of development of social capital in these two towns, to what extent is environmental activism developed (taking into consideration the seriousness of environmental problems) and in what way does (under)developed social capital influence (impede) the possibilities for environmental collective action?
Women’s Groups and Networks as a Source of Social Capital
Women’s Groups and Networks as a Source of Social Capital
(Women’s Groups and Networks as a Source of Social Capital)
- Author(s):Natalija Žunić, Danijela Gavrilović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Anthropology, Gender Studies, Sociology, Sociology of Politics
- Page Range:91-106
- No. of Pages:16
Social and Political Determinants of Confidence in Democratic Institutions in Europe: Does the Balkan Region Change the Pattern?
Social and Political Determinants of Confidence in Democratic Institutions in Europe: Does the Balkan Region Change the Pattern?
(Social and Political Determinants of Confidence in Democratic Institutions in Europe: Does the Balkan Region Change the Pattern?)
- Author(s):Marta Kołczyńska
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Governance, Sociology, Political behavior, Politics and society, Comparative politics
- Page Range:107-132
- No. of Pages:26
- Keywords:Western Balkans; trust; democracy; social capital; institutions
- Summary/Abstract:The aim of this article is to investigate social and political determinants of trust towards democratic institutions in the Western Balkans as part of the wider European region. Trust has been considered a vital element of social capital by i.a. F. Fukuyama (1995) or R. Putnam (2000). In democratic regimes citizens’ decisions in the process of delegating power are made under conditions of uncertainty about motivations and future actions of political leaders. Trust in state institutions is therefore one of the key principles providing sustainability and legitimacy of political systems. Although a certain level of “healthy distrust” is needed to keep control over democratic institutions, trust is essential to maintaining a democracy and ensuring its appropriate and satisfactory quality of operations. But trust depends on an already achieved level of democracy. Building on a study of structural determinants of trust in public institutions by Slomczynki and Janicka (2009) in countries included in the European Social Survey, this paper provides a quantitative analysis of the relationship between trust in institutions, on the one hand, and democracy and level of economic development, as well as individual-level variables related to socio-economic status, on the other. I use data from recent waves of the World Value Survey to allow extension of the set of studied countries to the Western Balkan region. Findings of the current analysis confirm already identified patterns in ESS countries with regard to the strong interrelation of declared trust in democratic institutions with the assessment of democratic functioning, as well as with the “objective” quality of democracy in a country, as measured by one of the democracy indices used worldwide, and the relatively weak, although statistically significant dependence of confidence in democratic institutions on the socio-economic stratification position most countries. The paper also reveals significant differences in determinants of trust in institutions in East European and Balkan states.
Trust and Legitimation – The Case of Serbia
Trust and Legitimation – The Case of Serbia
(Trust and Legitimation – The Case of Serbia)
- Author(s):Miloš Jovanović, Danijela Gavrilović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Anthropology, Sociology
- Page Range:133-144
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:values; legitimation; trust; Serbia; social capital
- Summary/Abstract:Social capital purports a certain “moral density” in the society which implies trust and establishing relations with others – individuals, groups and institutions, that are, in turn, a benchmark for the formation of one’s own habitus, living strategies and behaviour. Serbia shares much of the experience of the postsocialist, transition countries both in the region (Western Balkans) and wider surroundings (Eastern Europe). However, it seems that some particular factors (war in the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s, the break-up of the SRY and Montenegro’s departure, as well as the declaration of Kosovo as an independent state) and the general social and economic crisis, which have resulted in a “delay” in transition processes, have a specific impact on the recorded level of trust. The data also shows a very low level of civic participation, which can be interpreted as the final chapter in the post-October 5th era and the disillusionment with the new political elite, but in the political system in its entirety as well. Starting from this data, we would like to identify the values upon which the citizens of Serbia legitimize their behaviour and establish relations with other people based on the analysis of empirical (quantitative and qualitative) data in this text. We would like to observe whether collectivistic or individualistic values guide people in their social actions. On the basis of the findings we can perceive whether the values adopted by our examinees induce traditionalistic social relationships or may encourage democratic empowerment of the society. The text is based on the analysis of the results obtained in the research “Social and Cultural Capital in Serbia” (2011) (questionnaire and focus group interviews).
The State as the Great Classifier
The State as the Great Classifier
(The State as the Great Classifier)
- Author(s):Ivana Spasić, Ana Birešev
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Political Philosophy
- Page Range:145-159
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:state; politics; Serbia; transition; Pierre Bourdieu
- Summary/Abstract:Based on data collected through focus group interviews within the project “Social and Cultural Capital in Serbia”, this paper aims to analyze how “the state” is constructed in discourses by ordinary people in today’s Serbia. Starting from a Bourdieuan theoretical platform that introduces the concepts of social classifications and classification struggles, it is argued that in spite of the many criticisms the state in Serbia is subjected to by the citizens, it still remains in their eyes the only really legitimate classifier of people, capitals, and practices. The numerous negative judgments of the state’s failures and malfunctioning in a wide variety of areas ironically result in a confirmation of “the State” as a kind of Leviathan which perhaps should be tamed and reeducated, but which no one wishes to remove or replace with an alternative set of social arrangements. The ambiguous political potential of this attitude is discussed in the concluding section.
The generation of five capitals of volunteering through volunteer programs in museums: A case study of the National Museum Belgrade
The generation of five capitals of volunteering through volunteer programs in museums: A case study of the National Museum Belgrade
(The generation of five capitals of volunteering through volunteer programs in museums: A case study of the National Museum Belgrade)
- Author(s):Višnja Kisić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Anthropology, Museology & Heritage Studies, Sociology
- Page Range:161-179
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:five capitals of volunteering; museum’s outreach; community participation; sustainable development
- Summary/Abstract:The main aim of this paper is to explore developmental and transformative potentials of museums based on volunteer programs through suggesting a framework for the assessment of the generation of five capitals (physical, human, economic, social and cultural) for all key actors involved in the process. Furthermore, in order to offer insight into the current situation related to the five capitals of volunteering in museums in Serbia, it discusses the data collected in the course of a wider study on volunteering in Serbian museums and focuses on the case study of the National museum in Belgrade. A special focus is put on the case of the National Museum in Belgrade since I argue that, even though the museum has not developed successful tools for managing volunteers, the volunteer program has succeeded in generating five capitals to a greater extent than in other museums because it was designed in a way that is in accordance with the definition of volunteering.
Constructing a Cultural Map of Serbia
Constructing a Cultural Map of Serbia
(Constructing a Cultural Map of Serbia)
- Author(s):Predrag Cvetičanin, Jasmina Nedeljković, Nemanja Krstić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Anthropology, Sociology, Sociology of Culture, Cultural Essay
- Page Range:181-209
- No. of Pages:29
- Summary/Abstract:In this article our aim is to identify the main dimensions of the cultural map of Serbia and explore the relationship between social and cultural stratification in Serbia. To accomplish this we have relied on data from two surveys “Cultural Needs, Habits and Taste of Citizens of Serbia and Macedonia” (2005) and “Cultural Practices of Citizens of Serbia” (2010). Both were based on a national proportional stratified random sample with faceto- face interviews. In the first study 1364 respondents were interviewed (the sample was made of 1485 respondents, hence the realization percentage was 91,9%). In the second study out of 1600 sampled respondents, 1490 were interviewed (93,1% of realization). The article first reconstructs, using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), the cultural map of Serbia from 2005. The basic axis which structure this field of cultural practices and types of cultural practices which are shaped by the influence of these “forces” are identified. Then supplementary socio-demographic variables (education, age, income, wealth, occupation) are projected onto this map, which makes possible the consideration of the interrelatedness of cultural practices and social factors. In the next section, the results of these same analyses of data from the 2010 survey are presented. The final section compares the cultural maps of Serbia from 2005 and 2010 and the relations between cultural and social factors in them. We conclude by pointing to specificities of the field of cultural practices in Serbia and deviations from Bourdieu’s model of homology between the social and cultural order.
Contributors
Contributors
(Contributors)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Philosophy, Social Sciences
- Page Range:211-215
- No. of Pages:5
