ABSTRACT
The dominant model for explaining the origins of social capital suggests that it arises from interactions between individuals within voluntary associations. Such associations are seen as being the key mechanism for promoting co-operation between citizens, and providing a framework in which trust can be fostered (see Putnam, 1993, 1995; Fukuyama, 1995; Coleman, 1988,1990). This is the basic model developed by Putnam in his analysis of social capital in the Italian regions. He writes:
Some regions of Italy have many choral societies and soccer teams and bird-watching clubs and Rotary clubs. Most citizens in those regions read eagerly about community affairs in the daily press. They are engaged by public issues, but not by personalistic or patron-client politics. Inhabitants trust one another to act fairly and to obey the law…. The community values solidarity, civic engagement, co-operation and honesty.
