Social capital in action in urban environments: an intersection of theory, research and practice literature

Abstract

This paper attempts to widen our understanding of the relationship between social capital and the physical environment through an exploration of the intersection of theory, urban design practitioner guidance and empirical research on social capital that considers the\ud built environment as a variable. Theory suggests that social capital in a neighbourhood\ud can grow over time, and that stability of residency and opportunity for social interaction can help to establish the bonds, bridges and networks that build trust and participation.\ud The content analysis of a selection of literature on urban design guidance revealed\ud 12 recurrent attributes that help people to live, work and relax and thus encourage formal or informal interaction and longer-term residency in the area in which they live, and\ud hence the growth of social capital. As urban design guidance does not use such a term, these attributes were substantiated through reference to empirical research and social capital theory. This exercise gives a better understanding of then specificities of environmental variables, aiding our conceptualization of social capital. If we aspire to\ud assessment tools that incorporate knowledge of predictable relationships between the variables concerned, then it becomes clear there is a long way to go in developing our understanding of the interplay of urban development and social capital

Social Capital, Urbanization Level, and COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake in the United States: A National Level Analysis

“…For example, certain domains of social capital, such as social cohesion, may affect individuals' health-related behaviors differently in a metropolitan area as compared to a rural area because urban communities are more heterogeneous, and individuals may be less likely to be influenced by social norms. Additionally, individuals living in a metropolitan area may have access to multiple non-social networks that provide social support and resources that extend beyond geographic networks or communities [21].…”

Social capital, urbanization level, and COVID-19 vaccination uptake in the United States: A national level analysis

“…For example, certain domains of social capital, such as social cohesion, may affect individuals’ health-related behaviors differently in a metropolitan area as compared to a rural area because urban communities are more heterogeneous, and individuals are less likely to be influenced by social norms. Additionally, individuals living in a metropolitan area may have access to multiple non-social networks that provide social support and resources that extend beyond geographic networks or communities [17].…”

Guest editorial

“…Paranagamage et al (2010b) explore the intersection of theory, urban design practitioner guidance and empirical research on social capital that considers the built environment as a variable. In the absence of explicit reference to social capital in urban design guidance literature, Paranagamage et al (2010b) substantiate the attributes of social capital through reference to empirical research and social capital theory.…”

“…Paranagamage et al (2010b) explore the intersection of theory, urban design practitioner guidance and empirical research on social capital that considers the built environment as a variable. In the absence of explicit reference to social capital in urban design guidance literature, Paranagamage et al (2010b) substantiate the attributes of social capital through reference to empirical research and social capital theory. Cooper and Boyko (2010) review the current state of understanding about the urban design process and highlight case studies from three major UK cities -London, Manchester and Sheffield -with a view to understanding the urban design processes in practice.…”