The Problem of Forming Social Capital

Social capital is a concept which has only recently been incorporated into the social sciences. It has been used to explain a series of phenomena ranging from the creation of human capital and the effectiveness of democratic institutions to the reduction of crime or the eradication of poverty. However, there is not a general explanation about how to create social capital. That is the aim of this book. More concretely, it answers the following questions: How to create social capital? and what accounts for the different stocks of social capital between states? These questions are answered both theoretically and empirically, using quantitative and qualitative analysis as well as game theoretic models.

"Herreros, far more than anyone else to date, gives the concept social capital both theoretical and empirical standing. He clarifies the questions that matter, shows how we can answer them, and even answers some. This is a truly cross-national study, informed by sophisticated analytics and imaginative tests of plausible hypotheses. His most important finding is that the state fosters social capital directly through its efficacy in enforcing agreements and indirectly through its subsidies of associations. Herreros thus counters many earlier analyses of social capital and provides the basis for further theoretical and policy advance." - Margaret Levi, Jere L. Bacharach Professor of International Studies, University of Washington

"Herreros's Problem of Forming Social Capital is a well-argued analysis of the importance of trust and voluntary associations in civic life. His argument is not mine, but this is an engaging book that will make an important contribution to debates on social capital. More so than almost anyone else, Herreros presents a clear argument about the underlying mechanisms of social capital. His reasoning will play a key role in the ongoing controversy about how and whether trust and membership in civic associations make democracy work better." - Eric Uslaner, University of Maryland, College Park

"This is a brilliant book. The arguments are rigorous and sharp; the evidence, convincing; the style, incisive and witty. Herreros departs from the mainstream literature on social capital showing, first, that social trust can be explained from a rational choice perspective; and second, that the State can generate social capital. Both on theoretical and empirical grounds, the book is a major contribution to the study of social capital; it is also enjoyable to read." - José María Maravall, Juan March Institute, Madrid

FRANCISCO HERREROS holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and is a member of the Juan March Institute, Madrid, Spain. Currently, he is a visiting scholar at the New York University, USA.