The Normative Bases of Social Capital in the Public Sector

Abstract

This paper argues that if social capital is to become a useful analytical tool for public administrators, it must be recognized that the designation of social and political arrangements as “social capital” is dependent on normative judgements made by the actors involved concerning the existence of and access to that “social capital.” After discussing and illustrating this thesis, the paper applies it to the designation of social and political arrangements as “social capital” in the public sector. Here it is found that normative judgements about social capital are shaped by the deep structure of the concept itself and its relations to theories of liberal democracy. In this essay two broad themes are identified. One is termed associational and is related to various forms of liberalism ranging from pluralist democracy through public choice theories. The other theme is designated communal and is associated with civic republican, communitarian and strong democratic ideas. This article concludes with the observation that public sector social arrangements stand the best chance of being judged normatively as “social capital,” if they accommodate these themes in such a way that the resulting arrangements are seen as socially secured autonomy. This condition allows for the maximum opportunity to choose one’s path of self development in life, while insuring significant social, political and economic support in achieving one’s life goals.