The Problem of Forming Social Capital: Why Trust? (Political Evolution and Institutional Change) - Softcover

Herreros, F.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0230602231 ISBN 13: 9780230602236

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007

Synopsis

Herreros examines from the ground up, and from first principles, how social capital is formed. He gives special attention to "particularized trust," the byproduct of associational participation, and its relationship to generalized social trust. He argues

About this title

About the Author

FRANCISCO HERREROS holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and is a member of the Juan March Institute, Madrid, Spain. Currently, he is a visiting scholar at the New York University, USA.

From the Back Cover

"Herreros, far more than anyone else to date, gives the concept social capital both theoretical and empirical standing. He clarifies the questions that matter, shows how we can answer them, and even answers some. This is a truly cross-national study, informed by sophisticated analytics and imaginative tests of plausible hypotheses. His most important finding is that the state fosters social capital directly through its efficacy in enforcing agreements and indirectly through its subsidies of associations. Herreros thus counters many earlier analyses of social capital and provides the basis for further theoretical and policy advance."--Margaret Levi, Jere L. Bacharach Professor of International Studies, University of Washington
"Herreros's "Problem of Forming Social Capital" is a well-argued analysis of the importance of trust and voluntary associations in civic life. His argument is not mine, but this is an engaging book that will make an important contribution to debates on social capital. More so than almost anyone else, Herreros presents a clear argument about the underlying mechanisms of social capital. His reasoning will play a key role in the ongoing controversy about how and whether trust and membership in civic associations make democracy work better."--Eric Uslaner, University of Maryland, College Park
"This is a brilliant book. The arguments are rigorous and sharp; the evidence, convincing; the style, incisive and witty. Herreros departs from the mainstream literature on social capital showing, first, that social trust can be explained from a rational choice perspective; and second, that the State can generate social capital. Both on theoretical and empirical grounds, the book is a major contribution to the study of social capital; it is also enjoyable to read."--Jose Maria Maravall, Juan March Institute, Madrid

From the Inside Flap

"Herreros, far more than anyone else to date, gives the concept social capital both theoretical and empirical standing. He clarifies the questions that matter, shows how we can answer them, and even answers some. This is a truly cross-national study, informed by sophisticated analytics and imaginative tests of plausible hypotheses. His most important finding is that the state fosters social capital directly through its efficacy in enforcing agreements and indirectly through its subsidies of associations. Herreros thus counters many earlier analyses of social capital and provides the basis for further theoretical and policy advance."--Margaret Levi, Jere L. Bacharach Professor of International Studies, University of Washington

"Herreros's Problem of Forming Social Capital is a well-argued analysis of the importance of trust and voluntary associations in civic life. His argument is not mine, but this is an engaging book that will make an important contribution to debates on social capital. More so than almost anyone else, Herreros presents a clear argument about the underlying mechanisms of social capital. His reasoning will play a key role in the ongoing controversy about how and whether trust and membership in civic associations make democracy work better."--Eric Uslaner, University of Maryland, College Park

"This is a brilliant book. The arguments are rigorous and sharp; the evidence, convincing; the style, incisive and witty. Herreros departs from the mainstream literature on social capital showing, first, that social trust can be explained from a rational choice perspective; and second, that the State can generate social capital. Both on theoretical and empirical grounds, the book is a major contribution to the study of social capital; it is also enjoyable to read."--José María Maravall, Juan March Institute, Madrid

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"Herreros, far more than anyone else to date, gives the concept social capital both theoretical and empirical standing. He clarifies the questions that matter, shows how we can answer them, and even answers some. This is a truly cross-national study, informed by sophisticated analytics and imaginative tests of plausible hypotheses. His most important finding is that the state fosters social capital directly through its efficacy in enforcing agreements and indirectly through its subsidies of associations. Herreros thus counters many earlier analyses of social capital and provides the basis for further theoretical and policy advance."--Margaret Levi, Jere L. Bacharach Professor of International Studies, University of Washington

"Herreros's Problem of Forming Social Capital is a well-argued analysis of the importance of trust and voluntary associations in civic life. His argument is not mine, but this is an engaging book that will make an important contribution to debates on social capital. More so than almost anyone else, Herreros presents a clear argument about the underlying mechanisms of social capital. His reasoning will play a key role in the ongoing controversy about how and whether trust and membership in civic associations make democracy work better."--Eric Uslaner, University of Maryland, College Park

"This is a brilliant book. The arguments are rigorous and sharp; the evidence, convincing; the style, incisive and witty. Herreros departs from the mainstream literature on social capital showing, first, that social trust can be explained from a rational choice perspective; and second, that the State can generate social capital. Both on theoretical and empirical grounds, the book is a major contribution to the study of social capital; it is also enjoyable to read."--José María Maravall, Juan March Institute, Madrid

Edition details

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0230602231
• ISBN 13: 9780230602236
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 159