SUFFiciENcy EcONOMy ANd GRASSROOtS DEvElOPMENt

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306 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
The Meaning of Sufficiency Economy International Conference 307 funds, community welfare services provided for births, for retirement, cases of sickness and death, and hospital fees. Furthermore, the social welfare fund of Tha Kham community decreased household expenditure, since payments remained with the fund until people needed to cover the above expenses. in addition, TAO Tha Kham Tambon has made remarkable improvements in providing medical service through its Public Health Center for 3 Tambons. . (2) Institutional capital, from the family unit as the basic social institution up to political institutions, has an indispensable role of supporting and developing communities and the society to be strong and harmonious. - Educational institutions have the role to not only convey technical knowledge, but also contribute to the morality and ethical development of society. TAO Tha Kham for example, has created a center for the young, which combines these objectives, integrating modern knowledge with local wisdom. The young receive moral training, partly from the community elders. The aim is also to restore community traditions, and acquire new knowledge to decrease poverty through self-reliance, which is done through the “Life University” of Tha Kham. Knowledge exchange and networking among communities is taking place at the University of Klong Prea villagers, district of Cha Na, Songkla province. The Computer Center for the Youth is meant to further the learning and potential of the young generation. - Mass Media institution has a high influence on our behavior and values. In Tha Kham media channels were directed towards increasing capabilities and matters of interest for village households. A community radio was established. (3) Cultural capital or intellectual capital is about value systems, ethics, discipline, public awareness, Thai culture, and local wisdom. In Thailand there is a high diversity of social norms, beliefs and faiths, traditions etc; this heritage is a source of pride, and efforts to preserve and sustain these cultural traits should be undertaken. This is for the benefit of individuals, families, communities and society at large. Moreover, these cultural traits serve as examples and guiding principles of a balanced co-existence between people and nature. In the case of Tha Kham such efforts of conservation and maintenance serves to strengthen the community. Such traditions in Tha Kham include the upholding of Buddhist days and Muslim traditions, ordination of novices, full moon festivals that bring the whole community together, Songkhran festival etc. (4) Local wisdom, including local arts and knowledge as inherited from ancestors. These are collective values handed down since centuries. This diverse knowledge helps to pursue the sustainable coexistence of people and nature. Until today, this knowledge can still serve as a guide for
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SUFFiciENcy EcONOMy ANd GRASSROOtS DEvElOPMENt

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