Title |
Exploring the role of social capital in urban citizens’ initiatives in the Netherlands
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Published in |
Gaceta Sanitaria, July 2017
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DOI | 10.1016/j.gaceta.2017.05.011 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Carlijn Wentink, Lenneke Vaandrager, Rosalie van Dam, Jan Hassink, Irini Salverda |
Abstract |
This research explores the role of social capital in urban citizens' initiatives in the Netherlands, by using in-depth interviews. Social capital was operationalized as shared norms and values, connectedness, trust and reciprocity. The findings show that initiatives form around a shared idea or ambition (shared norms and values). An existing network of relationships (connectedness) is needed for an idea to emerge and take form. Connectedness can also increase as a result of an initiative. Some level of trust between people needs to be present from the start of the initiative. For the initiative to persist, strong in-group connections seem important, as well as a good balance between investments and returns. This reciprocity is mainly about intangible assets, such as energy and friendship. This study concludes that social capital within citizens' initiatives is both a prerequisite for the formation of initiatives and a result of the existence of initiatives. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Netherlands | 1 | 20% |
Unknown | 4 | 80% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 2 | 40% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 1 | 20% |
Scientists | 1 | 20% |
Science communicators (journalists, bloggers, editors) | 1 | 20% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Unknown | 43 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Master | 7 | 16% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 7 | 16% |
Researcher | 6 | 14% |
Lecturer | 5 | 12% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 2 | 5% |
Other | 6 | 14% |
Unknown | 10 | 23% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Social Sciences | 14 | 33% |
Business, Management and Accounting | 4 | 9% |
Arts and Humanities | 3 | 7% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 3 | 7% |
Computer Science | 1 | 2% |
Other | 5 | 12% |
Unknown | 13 | 30% |