Middle class in the reproduction of social capital

Abstract

In the article, the role of the middle class in the reproduction of social capital is investigated. For this aim, the dynamics, structure, values, and economic interests of the middle class in Ukraine and its influence on the formation of social capital are characterized. It has been found that the development of social capital depends on a number of institutional conditions and economic factors, one of which is the size and dynamics of the middle class. Based on different criteria, the number of middle class in Ukraine is defined. The specificity of the middle class formation in Ukraine has been clarified. The relationship between the dynamics of income and the size of the middle class has been identified. The structure of the middle class in Ukraine and its readiness for economic change and social transformation are specified. The common interests of the middle class with other strata are identified, which gives grounds for defining the status of the middle class and its ability to perform a communicative function and a special role in the development of civil society and open social capital. Generally speaking, the middle class is the nucleus of social capital. The factors of accumulation and destruction of social capital in Ukraine are revealed. The negative impact of the increasing inequality in income distribution, the spread of poverty and the increase in the share of the unemployed on the formation of the middle class and, accordingly, social capital, are investigated. There is a correlation between the uneven distribution of income, institutional confidence and the work of social elevators. The role of the middle class in building the bridging and strengthening the bonding social capital is specified. The participation of middle class representatives in the formation of economic inquiries and the development of volunteer communities was clarified. Generally, the role of the middle class in the reproduction of social capital is linked to ensuring the development of civil society and economic democratization.