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National Economic and Social Forum. (2003) The policy implications of social capital. Dublin: National Economic and Social Forum.

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A key challenge for Ireland in the 21st Century is to identify and harness the strength of community ties and resources in contributing towards a just and harmonious society. Against a background of unprecedented economic growth, but with widening economic and social divisions, our institutions need to be adapted so as to better serve the interests of all our citizens. Values of social solidarity, mutual respect and equality of opportunity should be given primacy of place in practice, as well as in statements of policy intent. The State and the Market cannot meet every conceivable need and have to be complemented by a strong and vibrant civil society. Empowerment of local communities to develop their own solutions and models of self-help is an important challenge in the design of public policy.

The term social capital describes important social processes and relationships – informal social support networks, friendship, neighbourhood generosity, interpersonal trust and volunteering activity – but also aspects of local and community development, public-private-voluntary partnerships and civic spirit. Although the term is relatively new in Ireland, the underlying concepts are not. Social capital draws on processes which are crucial in community development and the functioning of a democratic, inclusive and cohesive society. Likewise, community development helps generate higher levels of trust and social participation. Effective democracies rest on two essential foundations: civic attitudes of inclusion, tolerance and regard for the rights of others, and civic behaviour.


Item Type
Report
Publication Type
Irish-related, Report
Intervention Type
Policy
Date
2003
Call No
MD4.4, VH4.2
Pages
150 p.
Publisher
National Economic and Social Forum
Corporate Creators
National Economic and Social Forum
Place of Publication
Dublin
ISBN
1-899276-32-7
Notes
Includes bibliographic references, tables and glossary.
EndNote
Accession Number
HRB 2167 (Available)

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