© Columbia University Press
Active Social Capital: Tracing the Roots of Development and Democracy
Paper, 192 pages,
ISBN: 978-0-231-12571-0
$28.00
/ £16.50
August, 2002
Cloth, 192 pages,
ISBN: 978-0-231-12570-3
$83.50
/ £49.00
"It is only by deploying a diverse arsenal of methodological tools and marshaling a range of qualitative and quantitative evidence, while learning from the hard won lessons of seasoned front line service providers, that greater truths can emerge. Krishna has more than paid his dues on both fronts." — John Brueggemann, Mobilization
"Krishna makes commendable use of theory to frame his study and his contribution to testing social capital's key propositions is significant . . . Krishna's book translates the concept of social capital into a set of practical propositions that have direct relevance for those concerned with improving the welfare of communities . . . [and is] a helpful resource for those who want to know how to mobilize the strength, cooperative actions and capacities of communities today." — James Midgley, International Journal of Social Welfare
"Active Social Capital: Tracing the Roots of Development and Democracy is an outstanding piece of scholarship. It deftly and lucidly combines a discussion of the theoretical issues, newly gathered quantitative data, and qualitative case studies to detail the impact that active social capital has on the substantive outcomes attained in the economic, social, and political realms at the village level." — Amita Shastri, Journal of Asian Studies
"Krishna does indeed trace the roots of development and democracy by looking at the active social capital created in villages located in rural North India. For skeptics of the concept of social capital this will be an important book. Not only does Krishna measure social capital in a consistent manner, he demonstrates the difference social capital makes in achieving development and democracy." — Elinor Ostrom, Arthur F. Bentley Professor of Government, Indiana University
"An exceptional piece of scholarship. Anirudh Krishna combines statistical analyses, case studies, and a well-written narrative of how informal social connections and a willingness to work with people different from oneself can lead communities to better economic performance, more harmonious social relations, and greater participation. This accomplishment is truly astounding, [and] it was clearly a labor of love--and that, in the end, is what social capital is all about." — Eric M. Uslaner, professor of government and politics, University of Maryland at College Park