Capital social, revitalização de bairros e o papel das associações habitacionais: o caso dos Países Baixos

Abstract

This paper deals with the central issue of the synergy between social capital and the revitalisation of urban neighbourhoods. Three research questions will be specified: 1) How can social success or failure of urban neighbourhoods be understood by adopting social capital theories? 2) How could neighbourhood revitalisation be supported by strengthening social capital? 3) What role could not-for-profit housing associations play in this challenge? In light of the management and the revitalisation of urban neighbourhoods social capital can be seen as a crucial notion. We look at recent developments in Dutch urban neighbourhood revitalisation, in particular the recent transition from ‘traditional’ urban renewal into ‘new’ urban renewal in the Netherlands. The role of housing associations in the Netherlands is analysed, including the relation between housing associations and new urban renewal. We formulate conclusions and recommendations which go beyond Dutch practice.