Routledge Social Capital and Urban Networks of Trust

Product Description This is the first book on social capital and trust informed by a critical geographical perspective. The authors examine the role of social capital in the constitution and reproduction of urban networks of trust in different places and contexts. They explore how social capital and trust are reflected in the capacity of these networks to achieve their goals and to deliver specific forms of urban development in a number of Finnish and Italian cities. Finland and Italy present, in many ways, two almost paradigmatic cases of how social capital and trust can work in extremely different and yet very effective ways in the production of the urban. They are two almost ideal laboratories for experimenting new definitions and new understandings of the concepts in question. Review 'This critical analysis of trust and social capital in two countries - Finland, epitome of institutionalized formality, and Italy, paragon of the informal - demonstrates how deeply place matters in the formation of community. The scholarship is impeccable; and activists around the world will learn how to build more effective community networks.' Michael Dear, University of Southern California, USA 'This edited collection on social capital and urban networks of trust opens new horizons in critical geographical research. Besides the useful conceptual introductions by the editors, each chapter includes a richly illustrated local case study that draws on empirical examples from Finland or Italy. This volume can be warmly recommended to social scientists interested in the geographies of social life.' Anssi Paasi, University of Oulu, Finland 'Social Capital and Urban Networks of Trust provides a rich, detailed and conceptually sophisticated treatment of a vital issue for the future of Europe's cities. Through a series of carefully researched and critical case studies the contributors reveal the complex dynamics through which trust is generated and unevenly distributed in two strikingly different national contexts. This book challenges dominant accounts of social capital and sets out an imaginative alternative approach.' Joe Painter, Durham University, UK Social Capital and Urban Networks of Trust offers a critical and thorough scrutiny of the concepts of social capital and trust connected to networks and local development. This volume can be warmly recommended to all scientists and students interested in social capital, urban geography, and geographies of social life. Social Capital and Urban Networks of Trust offers a critical and thorough scrutiny of the concepts of social capital and trust connected to networks and local development. The essays on several urban contexts in Italy and in Finland help advance the theoretical understanding of the influence of cult About the Author Jouni Häkli is a Professor in the Department of Regional Studies, University of Tampere, Finland and Claudio Minca is a Professor in the Department of Geography, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK.