Exploring the role of social capital in urban citizens' initiatives in the Netherlands / Papel del capital social en las iniciativas de los ciudadanos de zonas urbanas en los Países Bajos

Objective: This research explores the role of social capital in urban citizens’ initiatives in the Netherlands, by using in-depth interviews. Method: Social capital was operationalized as shared norms and values, connectedness, trust and reciprocity. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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

Objetivo: Explorar, mediante la realización de entrevistas en profundidad, el papel del capital social en las iniciativas de los ciudadanos de zonas urbanas de los Países Bajos. Método: Se conceptualizó el capital social como normas y valores compartidos, conectividad, confianza y reciprocidad. Resultados: Las iniciativas se forman alrededor de una idea o ambición compartida (normas y valores compartidos). Es necesaria la existencia de una red de relaciones previa (conectividad) para que una idea surja y tome forma. La conectividad también puede incrementarse como resultado de la iniciativa. Desde el inicio de la iniciativa debe estar presente un nivel mínimo de confianza entre las personas. Para que la iniciativa persista, parecen importantes las conexiones fuertes dentro del grupo, así como un buen equilibrio entre los esfuerzos y los beneficios obtenidos. Esta reciprocidad se refiere principalmente a bienes inmateriales, como la energía y la amistad. Conclusión: Este estudio concluye que el papel del capital social en las iniciativas de los ciudadanos de zonas urbanas es tanto un requisito para la aparición de iniciativas como el resultado de la existencia de algunas iniciativas

Exploring the role of social capital in urban citizens' initiatives in the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVE: This research explores the role of social capital in urban citizens' initiatives in the Netherlands, by using in-depth interviews. METHOD: Social capital was operationalized as shared norms and values, connectedness, trust and reciprocity. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.