Navigating social capital theory and literature

Facilitator/s:

Tristan Claridge, Heriot-Watt University and the Institute for Social Capital

Workshop Description:

This workshop provides a roadmap for understanding the concept of social capital with practical tools to help organize and understand the different conceptual and theoretical approaches. It is designed to rapidly introduce the concept and its use in research, helping avoid weeks or even months of reading. It will help you quickly navigate the different meanings and conceptual approaches, directing you to the best approach for your research or interest and giving you reference lists and readings.

Social capital is a complex concept with many different meanings and conceptual approaches that can be difficult and complicated to understand and apply. The literature on the topic is incredibly broad and diverse, presenting an ongoing challenge for anyone interested in using the concept in research or practice. The concept has numerous theoretical foundations, making reading the literature challenging, even for experienced scholars. Most people reading the literature report feeling confused and uncertain, and everyone can benefit from a deeper understanding of the theories of social capital.

Over the last 20 years of working on the concept of social capital, Tristan Claridge, the facilitator of this workshop, has developed numerous typologies for understanding the concept. His work has sought to identify the differences and similarities of different approaches to social capital, and he has constantly asked difficult questions to explore the deeper meanings and theoretical foundations.

There are no “silver bullets” and no quick simple solutions that are appropriate for every discipline and every application. But this workshop guides and directs you. Ultimately, the goal of this workshop is to help you understand the concept better, apply it more effectively, and save you time in doing so. You will come away with a deeper understanding of the concept of social capital and how to apply it in research or practice.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Define social capital and explain its relevance across a range of research and practical contexts.
• Recognize the diversity of conceptual and theoretical approaches to social capital, including key distinctions and debates.
• Navigate the literature efficiently using typologies and frameworks that organize and differentiate major schools of thought.
• Identify which theoretical approach to social capital best aligns with their research goals or practical application.
• Critically evaluate different definitions and uses of social capital in academic and grey literature.
• Apply social capital theory with greater clarity and confidence in their own research, policy, or practice.
• Access curated resources and reading lists to deepen their understanding beyond the workshop.
• Avoid common pitfalls and misunderstandings that arise when working with social capital.

Intended Audience:

This workshop is designed for:

• Researchers and postgraduate students across disciplines (e.g., sociology, economics, political science, public health, education, development studies) who are using or considering using the concept of social capital.
• Practitioners and professionals working in community development, social policy, international development, public health, disaster management, education, and related fields where social capital is relevant.
• Policy analysts and decision-makers seeking a clearer understanding of how social capital can inform evidence-based policies and programs.
  Consultants and evaluators who encounter social capital in impact assessments or stakeholder analyses.
• Anyone new to the concept of social capital who wants a structured and time-efficient introduction grounded in deep expertise and a critical approach.

No prior expertise in social capital theory is required, but a basic familiarity with social science concepts will be helpful.

About the Facilitator/s:

Tristan Claridge is a Visiting Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University and the Director of the Institute for Social Capital. He is an independent researcher, consultant, and trainer working to advance the concept of social capital. His work utilizes the concept of social capital in various applications, including economic development, community development, organizational and project performance, poverty alleviation, and others. Over the last twenty years, he has worked to improve the theories of social capital and assist others to improve their understanding and use of the concept in research, practice, and policy. He has developed an approach to the application of social capital that is logically consistent, theoretically grounded, and easy to understand and apply to research and practical applications. He draws on lessons from economics, sociology, political science, psychology, urban planning, and any other discipline that contributes understanding to the concept. Driven by his belief in the power of discourse and collaboration, Tristan continues to work towards advancing social capital theory and practice globally. Tristan is the current President of the International Social Capital Association and chair of the Social Capital Paradigm Interest Group.