aes17

Erin Blake

In his 1993 seminal work, Putnam argued that social capital was a key factor that underpinned institutional performance, democratic practices and economic well-being in regional Italy. He noted that more prosperous regions in northern Italy had stronger civic traditions based in 'networks and norms of civic engagement' that facilitated trust and reciprocation. In his later work, Putnam elaborate further on the concept of social capital, arguing that for diverse and multi-ethic states to function effectively, remain peaceful and continue to be prosperous, it was essential for its citizens to develop stocks of 'bridging' social capital whereby people developed bonds with people from backgrounds different to their own.

Closer to home, Cox - in a 1995 Boyer Lecture - argued that Australia was at risk of losing the 'social glue' that bound our multi-cultural and diverse nation together. She noted that debates regarding citizenship were focused on citizens as economically motivated, competitive and rational individuals which bellied the importance of social bonds and networks. Cox feared that public policy based on these notions would further undermine social capital and alienate the communities from the state and each other.

Social capital has had a significant influenced the theory and practice of evaluation. Some academics and evaluators have sought to measure social capital, its influence and impact. Others have used it as the basis for developing theories of change and designing interventions. For utilisation-focused evaluators, the concept underpins the process of evaluation itself; how the evaluator engages with the stakeholders and evaluands.

In an increasing complex, inter-connected and yet seemingly fragmented world - where populism, racism and nationalism appear to be on the rise - this presentation will revisit the theory of social capital and reflect on how it influences contemporary evaluation theories and practice.