Publication: Together We Stand, Divided We Fall : Levels and Determinants of Social Capital in Argentina
Date
2002-05-31
ISSN
Published
2002-05-31
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
The study looks at recent analytical
work concerning social issues in Argentina, which suggest
both inequality, and unemployment are worsening, aggravated
by pessimism and despair - partly shaped by a recession of
almost three years - as well as by the inadequacy of public
institutions. This study examines the case of Argentina, and
draws on its existing social capital as an immediate
strategy, and an investment for the future, to assess the
role social capital can play within its context. The study
finds that aggregate levels of social capital in Argentina
are low, outlining that while the social capital of the poor
in the country, may enable protection among themselves in
times of hardship, it does not help them get ahead in the
long-term. Civic associations have proved vulnerable to deep
changes in the local social, economic, and political
landscape, seemingly due to a historic heritage of
authoritarian relations with the state. Thus, the study
attempts to promote a dialogue among national actors, and
policy makers on the implications of the determinants of
social participation, and interpersonal trust. Evidence
suggests that less than twenty percent of the population
participates in any form of organization, of which,
determinants of participation feature the better off, higher
educated, or unemployed, while the poorest tend to find the
experience unrewarding. The study also measures levels of
less structured collective action in response to shocks, as
a strategy for interacting with public officials, pointing
out that during any form of crisis, Argentines turn to their
closest circles of family, or friends, but do not assert
their influence on public decisions during prosperous times.
Recommendations suggest the creation of an enabling climate
for the development of social capital, that provides space
for public-private interactions, emphasizing on educational
investments, and, creating a culture of information
dissemination, and transparency.
Link to Data Set
Citation
“World Bank. 2002. Together We Stand, Divided We Fall : Levels and Determinants of Social Capital in Argentina. © Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/15416 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”