SUFFiciENcy EcONOMy ANd GRASSROOtS DEvElOPMENt
SUFFiciENcy EcONOMy ANd GRASSROOtS DEvElOPMENt
SUFFiciENcy EcONOMy ANd GRASSROOtS DEvElOPMENt
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306<br />
The Meaning of Sufficiency Economy <br />
International Conference<br />
1. Definition of Social Capital<br />
Pierre Bourdieu (1985 cited from Portes A. 1998: 1-24) was the first person to<br />
have systematically analyzed the concept of social capital. Bourdieu has developed<br />
the concept of social capital and cultural capital in the period between 1970 and<br />
1980. He distinguished these forms of capital from economic capital (money,<br />
property, and what Marx termed “productive capital”). Cultural capital encompasses<br />
the commodities of culture including arts, knowledge and educational qualifications.<br />
Bourdieu defines social capital as having the following contents:<br />
(1) Social Capital is a source that defines the relationship between group<br />
members and social networks.<br />
(2) Social capital has the characteristics of symbolic capital.<br />
(3) Social capital can be transformed into economic capital.<br />
Coleman (1988: 95-120) has explained social capital as being a function of<br />
relations among humans geared to certain expectations based on trust. Social capital<br />
based on trustful relationships can lead to higher individual benefits than in relations<br />
that do not involve trust. Social capital is facilitated in cultures with shared values<br />
among members. Coleman specifies social capital further as follows: <br />
(1) Embedded relationship enhanced with commitment and anticipation of the<br />
actions of others; trust and confidence in each other; mutual access to<br />
information channels; upholding social norms and (tacitly) agreed upon<br />
concrete punishment measures.<br />
(2) Social structures define relationships facilitating networking and a suitable<br />
organizational culture.<br />
2. Elements of Social Capital according to NESDB<br />
The Advisory Council of the National Economic & Social Development Board<br />
(B.E.2548: pp.12-15) has recommended the classification of social capital into <br />
4 dimensions as follows:<br />
(1) Human capital, which generally means people, including social leaders,<br />
village scholars, and volunteers, who can be characterized by the will to<br />
volunteer, can be trusted, are generous, recognize the interconnectedness<br />
among all people, have a generous spirit and adhere to ethical values.<br />
Ethics includes discipline, integrity and social awareness; moreover people<br />
understand the general interest of society as a whole, including patriotism.<br />
People should be of good health and know how to protect themselves. TAO<br />
Tha Kham focused on the development of human capital, emphasizing<br />
quality of life in the development of the community economy; the<br />
empowerment of the community thus went hand in hand with the<br />
strengthening of social capital through the establishment of village saving