Evaluation of Social Capital in LEADER: From Theory to Practice

Social capital in specific local contexts presents both positive and negative sides, determining divergent effects in rural development strategies. This calls for an evaluation method which can highlight how social capital contributes to rural revival or isolation of European territories. This chapter sets out the framework of the method used in our study for quantifying and qualifying the endowment of social capital in Local Actions Groups (LAGs) of the EU LEADER initiative. In particular, the chapter describes the scope of analysis, distinguishes the types of relations sustained and promoted by LAGs, and finally it details the different forms, dimensions and sub-dimensions of social capital and rural governance. It thus contributes to delineating an operative framework for the evaluation of social capital which can be adopted more broadly in rural development.