Contribution to research of social capital

Abstract

The author of this paper attempts to establish sufficient theoretical and methodological bases and guidelines for a comprehensive and coherent research of social capital of citizens of Serbia. The analysis focuses on complex and multidimensional relation between social capital of citizens - their different, frequently confronted dimensions and levels, specific constellation of interest and powers in society and efficiency of institutions and chances for consolidation of democracy. In current ambivalence of possible outcomes, chances for 'democracy to get enrooted in Serbia' increase with the growth of generalized, bridging and overarching 'civil' social capital of citizens, with their simultaneous participation and 'exercising' of democracy and the accompanying growth of credibility of civil and political actors and institutions.

U radu autor nastoji da postavi dovoljne teorijske i metodske osnove i upute za jedno celovito i koherentno istraživanje socijalnog kapitala građana Srbije. U fokusu analize je složen i višedimenzionalan odnos između socijalnog kapitala građana - njegovih različitih, neretko i uzajamno suprotstavljenih dimenzija i nivoa, specifične konstelacije interesa i moći u društvu i delotvornosti institucija i šansi za konsolidovanje demokratije. U prisutnoj ambivalenciji mogućih ishoda, šanse da se 'demokratija primi u Srbiji' rastu sa rastom generalizovanog, premošćujućeg i spajajućeg - 'civilnog' socijalnog kapitala građana, uz istovremenu njihovu participaciju i 'praktikovanje' demokratije i prateći rast kredibiliteta civilnih i političkih aktera i institucija.