Social Capital and Local Socio‐economic Development: The Case of Czech Peripheries

Abstract

AbstractThe paper focuses on the relationship between social capital and local socio‐economic development in the case of Czech peripheries. First, based on individual‐level survey data, it examines relationships among various indicators of social capital encompassing three common dimensions: social networks, trust and civic norms and values. The results (correlations) confirm the existence of statistically significant and positive relationships. Second, the paper explores regional differences in social capital in typologically diverse peripheries and reaffirms an existing dichotomy: continuously settled vs. resettled model territories. Third, using chi‐square analysis, research findings stress the importance of personal characteristics (age, education and economic activity) for residents' amount of social capital. Therefore, social capital can be seen as an instrument in the activation of endogenous development potential of local communities, especially in peripheral regions.