A Dewian Social Capital Theory

Abstract

In this report I present a theoretical model of social capital formation grounded in the social utilitarian philosophy of John Dewey. Consistent with Dewey's philosophy, the model employs a pragmatic action-based definition of social capital, rather than a conventional definition of social capital based on social relationships or the attendant norms or trust. Thus the model used herein defines social capital as instances where individuals take actions which appear to benefit the social system at personal cost. This model was developed during my UCLA doctoral dissertation research in education in a part of Mexico a few miles from the U.S. border. The focus of this study was to help establish a community computer learning center. Establishing the community computer center is used as a case study to examine the process of social capital formation.

This model contends that latent social capital can be activated through well-designed programs reflecting a clear understanding of the individual psychology behind voluntary prosocial behavior. This model is built around Dewey's concept of the "active self" as a theoretical framework for understanding uncompensated prosocial behavior. Within this model individual acts of prosocial behavior are viewed as the basic wellspring from which social capital forms. Dewey's "active self" concept is illustrated through multiple examples from the fieldwork. These examples show how individuals actively assume social roles which leverage social resources along with their own efforts to shape the nature of the social organization of the computer center.

I go on to argue that development organizations need to be attuned to the active self process and work with it, not against it. As such, this model suggests that development can best be promoted by organizations which effectively manage common pool resources in the social domain and which have educational components designed to promote civil interaction between individuals who do not share the same subjective views as to how these shared resources ought to be employed.