SOCIAL CAPITAL

One of the aspects of livelihood ministry (which involves empowering individuals, families, & communities to experience economic uplift) is social capital. This is good will & trust that are shared equitably and evenly among members of a community. Social capital is a civic virtue, and functions best when experienced in the context of reciprocal relationships and community. It consists of shared norms and values that are lived out in social relationships.

When genuine social capital has been produced in a community, it produces incredible synergistic results as the members work together toward transformation.

The development of social capital is the difference between relief and development. Relief is concerned with urgent, & sometimes even emergency situations that involve basic physical needs, so it doesn’t work toward developing people on a social, emotional, or spiritual level.

When on-going relief is no longer needed, it cripples the development of social capital. It can create negative feelings of resentment and jealousy, and lowers the resolve of those being served to work toward the transformation of their lives.

This is true whether it is related to welfare in the US or as a response to poverty in the Philippines.