Is Social Capital a Useful Tool for Public Health and Development? Insights from Social Capital Theory and a South African Case Study

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Periodical article

Title:	Is Social Capital a Useful Tool for Public Health and Development? Insights from Social Capital Theory and a South African Case Study
Author:	Thomas, Liz
Year:	2003
Periodical:	Africanus
Volume:	33
Issue:	2
Pages:	18-28
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	social networks women public health Health and Nutrition Urbanization and Migration Politics and Government Labor and Employment
Abstract:	Social capital is increasingly being used to refer to the 'glue that holds communities together'. Social capital theory provides a multidisciplinary approach to the understanding of communities. Using the theory, which attempts to understand social factors such as trust, community networks and involvement in civic activities, the author explores the relevance of social capital as a conceptual framework and its applicability to public health. She draws on research carried out among 250 women - aged between 16 and 40 - in Siyanda, an informal settlement in Durban, South Africa. The findings suggest that a more detailed understanding of the social capital of communities would highlight the trust that communities have in local government, community leaders and one another. This will inform and enhance the contribution of public health workers working with communities in developing countries. Bibliogr., notes, sum. [Journal abstract]