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Paper presented at the ESAI Annual Conference, NUI Maynooth April 1-3, 2004
Author Contacts:
Board (m.ofathaigh@ucc.ie)
1 O’Brien, S and Ó Fathaigh, M (2005)
Introduction
This paper begins by outlining the theory of social capital. Bourdieu’s perspective, in
cultural ethos, mission, and learning activities (see O’Brien and Ó Fathaigh, 2005),
they are likely to exhibit a common main purpose. With specific attention to
learning partnerships for social inclusion, we see such a common purpose as:
literature research reveals that this theory is grossly under-utilised. The paper
‘Social capital’ theory can be sourced to the works of three main authors -
James Coleman, Robert Putnam and Pierre Bourdieu. Coleman’s (1988, 1990,
1992) interpretation of the concept is the most frequently cited in the educational
realised in its capacity (just like physical and human capital) to facilitate
(e.g. doing favours for and receiving favours from other people), b) informational
potential (e.g. sharing useful information that may inform some future action), c)
norms and effective sanctions (e.g. the establishment of community values and
shared standards of behaviour) and d) authority relations (e.g. skilful leadership that
informs others’ actions). It is noted that social capital through these means can
benefit others who do not directly participate. Coleman (1990, p 313) gives
disciplinary standards for the benefit of all in the school community. Some form of
investment in social capital (e.g. concerted group involvement) is deemed
necessary, however, for any such rewards to be amassed. While social capital can
negative social consequences (see Coleman: 1990, pp 318-321). Social capital theory,
as used by Coleman, has strong structural-functionalist roots. For this reason, his
control” (Dika and Singh: 2002, p 34). Further, the social capital concept is
Putnam’s (1993, 1995) theory of social capital has functionalist roots also (especially
pluralism and communitarianism. His central thesis is that a well functioning regional
economy together with a high level of political integration are the result of
Social capital here has three components: a) moral obligations and norms, b) social
“facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit” (Putnam: 1995, p 2).
The threat to this productive capacity comes from changing social trends which
appear to indicate that such
direct link between levels of civic engagement and a community’s capacity to tackle
participation, and crime. Thus, much like Coleman, Putnam claims that:
Taking Coleman’s and Putnam’s positions together, the general accord is that social
to Coleman’s approach, for example, Dika and Singh (2002, p 44) talk about a
blurring of the distinction of resources from the ability to obtain them in the
2
social structure . In addition, the stress on the family’s and the community’s role
accessing and utilising such resources. Also, because resources are viewed as
essential preconditions, those with insufficient capital are in danger of being labelled
powerless in their pursuit of the same desirable outcomes enjoyed by their
Putnam’s interpretation of social capital. Siisiainen (2000, p 4), for example, points
to an inadequate coverage of the concept of ‘distrust’ and its singular association with
pathological forms of collective action. This treatise obscures the role of conflict in
in engaging with such networks. Finally, it should be noted that ‘trust’ more
4
typically emerges from the struggle between competing interests .
Given the above critical points, we turn to the work of Pierre Bourdieu to fill some
1992a, b) main distinction is his belief that social capital operates as a tool of cultural
individuals dialectically through their social and material history. Unlike the
within the social structure. Further, unlike the other two ‘causal’ approaches,
Bourdieu’s perspective
5
on social capital is designed to guide empirical work . Moreover, Bourdieu gives due
regard to individuals and their mediated actions, as well as to the concept of conflict
6
as an expression of this subjectivity . These features, in our opinion, render
• Habitus
• Capitals
• Fields
Firstly, the concept of habitus is used to explain how objective structures and
subjective perceptions impact upon human action. The concept can be explained as a
set of regulatory schemes of thought and action, which are to some extent, a product
of prior experience. In Bourdieu’s (1977a, p 72) own words, habitus constitutes “a set
essence, the habitus concept is a way of explaining how social and cultural messages
(both actual and symbolic) shape individuals’ thoughts and actions. It is not a static
concept since
resisting embodied beliefs. The habitus is thus not wholly structured, though it
illustrate the importance of this concept, one might think of how certain social
groups are more capable of mobilising their own deeply held beliefs on the value of
education. Often such values are shaped by a general set of outlooks in their
utilising the formal education system. These values need not be arrived at
guiding mediated thought and action (Bourdieu calls this ‘class habitus’). This is
capitals. This concept is subdivided into: economic, social, cultural, and symbolic
categories. Economic capital refers to income and other financial resources and
assets. It is the most liquid capital in that it may be more readily converted into
2003). Its potency in the educational field, for example, is manifest in the capacity of
some individuals to purchase different types of educational services (e.g. private
Economic capital on
its own, however, is not sufficient to buy ‘status’ or position – rather, it relies on the
interaction with other forms of capital. One other such form is social capital.
This exists as a set of lasting social relations, networks and contacts. Like
Bourdieu emphasises individual (and not necessarily communal) gain that may be
capitals. In educational terms, one may think of significant ‘others’ in one’s life
(and/or symbolic) access to new areas of expertise, resources and support. Cultural
7
and James, 1998) . Each form serves as “instruments for the appropriation of
dispositions; and the institutionalised form represents the places of learning one
institutions). The currency of such capital forms has more to do with their
which capitals are perceived in the social structure e.g. the status value attached to
certain books, values, and/or places of learning. In relation to capitals, it should be
noted that
all forms (economic, social, cultural, and symbolic categories) are the key factors that
define positions and possibilities for individuals engaged in any field (in our
form
The third and final theme dealt with here is that of fields. In Bourdieuian
impact upon the habitus of individuals. Education is thus regarded as a field since it
sets its own rules that regulate behaviour within. Indeed, the struggle for
and belies the universal image often associated with education. Bourdieu claims that
as certain individuals enter the field, they (consciously or otherwise) are more aware
social status are among those who may be categorised in this manner.
positions via the effective utilisation and exploitation of capital (Rudd, 2003). Such
strategies can only become meaningful if they exhibit symbolic relevance i.e. if
is said to have its greatest expression in the general (albeit, erroneous) acceptance that
‘the rules of the game are fair’ (i.e. in educational terms, ‘the meritocratic system is
‘false consciousness’) thus occurs when those in more disadvantaged contexts ‘play
8
the game without questioning the rules’ . This amounts to, what Bourdieu terms,
‘symbolic violence’.
We contend that any investigation of learning partnerships for social inclusion must
The final discussion here impresses the need to locate social capital (and related
9
concepts )
the perceived need to effect societal change. An analysis of social capital cannot
therefore be separated from a treatise on social exclusion. Contributory factors such
critical fact remains, however, that his theory is grossly under-utilised. Indeed,
even when it is
‘referred to’ - as discussions here indicate - it is often thought of and applied in an all-
a linear model where ‘more social capital equals more [adult] learning’, Field
(1999) reminds that social capital can also inhibit participation in learning.
actually appear more supportive and rewarding than ‘going it alone’ in a formal
capital and its particular association with effective forms of voluntarism (Powell
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and Guerin, 1997) should
conceived and utilised. References to social capital in the research literature are often
couched in positive terms and are the result of an intuitive understanding that
emergent ‘findings’ are thought or felt to be ‘true’. Often these references appear as
social capital and educational attainment. From a US perspective, Dika and Singh’s
(2002, pp 36-40) research review of social capital illustrates this point well. They
note that from the period 1996-1998 the vast majority of studies consisted of research
social capital research, this time from a more qualitative perspective. Only a couple
outcomes were similar to the Coleman tradition e.g. collective social capital was
(Morrow, 2001).
with respect to school choice at entry to second-level schooling in Britain, Reay and
educational field. Such status was dependent on their relative capital accumulation.
education. Whilst
and affection, expenditure of time, attention, care and concern were shown to
directly influence dependents’ schooling success (see also Allat, 1993). A caveat is
and emotional capital outcomes. Working class women, for example, often lack the
right conditions for promoting either emotional or cultural capital (Reay: 2000, p
575).
assured rational appearance. Few would argue, certainly, that greater levels of parent-
would not enhance educational opportunity. Indeed, given that such related factors
make sense ‘on the ground’ and are often backed up by research data (as indicated by
the majority of studies above), they may well be indisputable. A Bourdieuian critique
of social capital outcomes recognises the import of such research results, particularly
objections prevail. Not least there is the criticism against much research that
Bourdieu’s theory
on results. In addition, there is little regard for using Bourdieu’s theory as a means to
strength of Bourdieu’s theory (as we see it) is that it proffers an important analytical
framework (a ‘tool’) for understanding how social capital outcomes are inter-related.
13 O’Brien, S and Ó Fathaigh, M (2005)
To illustrate, his concept of ‘class habitus’ is particularly useful in demonstrating that
words, social class and other terms such as gender and race are not attributes of
individuals, but instead represent ‘generative forces of action’ (Drudy and Lynch,
1993). Thus, taking socio- economic position or the financial capacity to engage
in education alone cannot capture disadvantaged status. Unlike many studies that
in this way, Bourdieu points to the connectedness of other forms of capital, including:
the role of qualifications as positional goods; the accorded value of education and its
relationships within diverse fields. Likewise, social capital outcomes alone can only
group links, for example, may be theoretically beneficial but there are still concerns
groups.
Conclusion
The challenges for effective learning partnerships for social inclusion are thus set out.
translated from one group (usually those with appropriate capital levels) to another
“universal paradigm for cultural development” (Kade: 1988, p 105), the danger
outcomes from research. This point often goes unheeded. There is still a
general assumption, for example, that lower-class parents should simply act
more like white middle-class parents for the benefit of their children.
Alexander and Entwisle (1996, p 284) are critical of this position since it
Weak studies that focus on positive social control factors, and specifically on singular
such research makes grand claims. A recent project, for example, concluded that
‘children
12
of interested parents do 25% better in examinations’ . Besides serious
methodological and theoretical concerns, we may well ask how such research
can proffer any great insight into the integrative causes of educational disadvantage.
Is it the case, for example, that working-class parents are less interested in their
develop the will to work with (not just for) disadvantaged groups. This proposal
(O’Brien and O Fathaigh, 2005). Here, education is seen as more than the acquisition
1999). Any developments towards a more inclusive education system will thus
that produces loss of power, status, and self esteem. Learning partnerships in
Bourdieu) that help explain existing relationships and tensions therein. Such
Endnotes
1
For example, while group membership is declining (e.g. Boy Scouts figures are down by 26% since
1970 and Red Cross membership has declined by 61% in the same period), ‘associational membership’
figures are up in some cases (e.g. national environmental organisations like the Sierra Club and
feminist groups such as the National Organisation for Women). Furthermore, an increase in
associational membership is manifest in the non-profit organisations sector (e.g. Oxfam).
2
Coleman’s resources are measured (somewhat crudely) using High School and Beyond (HSB) data which
includes such information as: the presence of two parents in the home, lower number of siblings,
household size, church attendance, and higher parental expectations. The danger here is that such
information can actually obscure discussions on ‘who gets to access such resources?’ and ‘how is
access differentiated along race, class and gender dimensions?’
3
Social action also engages those who critique the dominant political order of the day. Such an anti-
establishment stance need not be seen as pathological, however e.g. subgroups that are formed to speak out
against (what they see as) others’ perpetuation of injustice.
4
This point is highlighted in the main study’s discussions on partnership formation in Ireland (see
O’Brien and O Fathaigh, 2005). Here, it is noted that partnerships do not just simply exist - they come
into being. Further, trust is something that is worked upon when common and discordant interests are
negotiated.
5
Bourdieu’s own professional background as an anthropologist no doubt informs this position.
6
The key term here is ‘mediated’. Rudd (2003) argues that Bourdieu’s theory moves beyond structure-
agency debates to focus on the processes whereby individuals internalise the relationships between
themselves and objective, external structures. Moreover, the theory also enables us to see how
individuals’ subjective perceptions then structure their externalised practice. See the concept of
‘habitus’ explained later in this section.
7
Although each category of cultural capital is distinct, it is possible that ownership of one form may
influence an individual’s relationship to, and possession of, another (Rudd, 2003).
8
Bourdieu states that, while disadvantaged groups often recognise their less favourable positions, they
are seldom aware of the processes through which such positions occur (Rudd, 2003).
9
Bourdieu (as highlighted) refers to other forms of capital – social capital being only one of four main
types. Strictly speaking, then, the ‘social capital’ title is too narrow - from a Bourdieuian perspective,
it means more than a broad construct of social relations. When we refer to Bourdieu’s theory of ‘social
capital’ we do so in relation to his integrated analysis of all capital forms.
10
This is not to take away from the fact that voluntary organisations have the unique capacity to engage
individuals in important social networks and facilitate the distribution (and redistribution) of important
capitals (Courtney, 1992).
11
See O’Brien and O Fathaigh (2004, Chapter 3) for a brief review of the research literature coverage
on social capital ‘outcomes’.
12
The research was conducted for the UK educational charity The Campaign for Learning (see
http://www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk/projects/projectsindex.htm for more details).
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19 O’Brien, S and Ó Fathaigh, M (2005)