Social capital can be defined as the extent to which citizens are willing to co-operate with each other on the basis of interpersonal trust. This is now seen to greatly facilitate economic and social relationships and thus to play a major role in the efficiency of political institutions and in economic performance. This study examines patterns of social capital in a wide range of European countries and compares the European experience with that of the United States. The authors of this work examine the dominant view that voluntary activity promotes social capital and hence good government, but also explore alternative models for the creation of social capital. Theoretical discussion is combined with detailed case studies to provide a new explanation of : * the origins and nature of social capital * its effects on political participation and policy-making * the role of the voluntary sector Contributors go on to examine the possibility that current changes in the voluntary sector may in fact undermine social capital and consider the consequences.
Social Capital and European Democracy is an important step forward in this rapidly growing field of research and adds a unique European perspective to a debate which has been largely US-focussed. Jacint Jordana, Pompeu Fabra, Spain, Ken Newton, Essex, UK, Paul Whiteley, Sheffield, UK, Jaak Billiet, Bart Cambre, Leuven, Bel