Evidence library

This report assesses the levels of social capital in Glasgow and the potential scope for developing it. It looks at five dimensions of social capital: social participation; social networks and social support; reciprocity and trust; civic participation; and people?s views of the local area. It sets out findings under each dimension and indicates the data sources used for each. The researchers: ? held a development workshop involving a range of stakeholders; ? selected secondary data capable of illuminating social capital; ? developed a questionnaire and conducted focus groups with a range of Glasgow citizens; ? conducted interviews with representatives of prominent Glasgow organisations with an interest in social capital. The report finds that Glaswegians feel they possess significant levels of 'bonding' social capital (the ability to form links and relationships with groups and individuals regarded as similar). Glaswegians are less optimistic about the city's reservoir of "bridging" social capital (the ability to form links and relationships with groups and individuals perceived to be different). The report offers recommendations as to how the city?s levels of social capital could be enhanced. Key members of the Social Capital Working Group included representatives from Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, the Glasgow Centre for Population Health and FMR Research.