One concept, two approaches: Bourdieu and Putnam on social capital

Abstract

The paper compares Robert D. Putnam's and Pierre Bourdieu's concepts of social capital. Putnam's concept is rooted in the tradition of American theories of pluralism and system integration whereas Bourdieu makes use of ideas developed by structuralist and conflict theoreticians. Putnam's concept (norms, networks, and trust) leads to examinations of the rosy circles of social development on a societal level. Its three components: norms of reciprocity, social networks/voluntary associations, and generalized trust - depict social potentialities on a community level. Bourdieu's concept of social capital is one of three dimensions relevant to the analysis of the class position of the various social actors, and the probability that particular actors will succeed in the social struggles. Bourdieu's concept of symbolic capital and power prove to be relevant in analyzing the problem of generalized trust and reciprocity