Item – Theses Canada

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OCLC number
697933047
Link(s) to full text
LAC copy
LAC copy
Author
LeBlanc, Greg.
Title
Defining and building civic capital : making social capital civic.
Degree
M. Phil. -- University of New Brunswick, 2007
Publisher
Ottawa : Library and Archives Canada = Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, [2010]
Description
2 microfiches
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
The intent of this thesis is to identify ways of supporting civic engagement through an understanding of 'civic' capital. Since this concept stems from research done on social capital, the thesis undertakes a thorough review of the origins of social capital, its major proponents, and objections raised by critics. Where social capital is loosely defined as the significance and value of social networks, relations among neighbours, acquaintances, friends and family, and their ability to strengthen the bonds within a community, civic capital can be understood as the potential of these social networks to work toward developing a community in a purposeful way with the common good as their goal. Because of this community-oriented engagement, civic capital, it is argued, is a more appropriate measure of the developmental potential of a community than is social capital. This thesis analyzes the organizational and institutional similarities and differences of social and civic capital, with an eye to more rigorously defining civic capital. A thorough differentiation from social capital allows us to better understand what civic capital is and why it is important, with the intent of being able to define what it does, how we can measure it and thereby know how to develop and implement policy which creates and improves civic capital in our communities. Civic capital can be found and cultivated in virtually all sectors of society, including education, communications, economics, and politics, just as social capital has been proposed as an important aspect of each of these sectors. The end result is a series of recommendations in regards to what kinds of policies should be incorporated so as to cultivate and enhance civic capital in our communities. These policy recommendations are designed to make civic engagement more effective, more dynamic and more appropriate, thereby encouraging more community members to become active, contributing and fulfilled citizens.
ISBN
9780494496961
0494496967