Government intervention and the structure of social capital

摘要

Over the past decade, policymakers and scholars have devoted increasing attention to the nature and role of social capital in the functioning of society. We examine the implications of government attempts to manipulate the existing structure of social capital to create homogeneity among agents. We find that these attempts can weaken, erode or destroy existing social capital. We conclude with policy implications regarding government efforts to create or manipulate social capital.