SUFFiciENcy EcONOMy ANd GRASSROOtS DEvElOPMENt

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