SOCIAL CAPITAL: AN EMERGING DISCOURSE IN

POST-CONFLICT SRI LANKA

Nipunika O. Lecamwasam

OUTLINEStudy Purpose: To understand the

practical function of Social Capital in Sri Lanka in one of its manifestations i.e. reconciliation especially among youth groups

Methods: Qualitative study with a Phenomenological Aspect

Findings

WHAT IS SOCIAL CAPITAL (SC)?

Emotional capital accumulated via social networks that are built

on trust, understanding and reciprocity

PIONEERING TRILOGY Bourdieu- The sum of the resources, actual or virtual, that

accrue to an individual or a group by virtue of possessing a durable network of more or less institutionalized relationships of mutual acquaintance and recognition.

Coleman- SC is one of the potential resources which an actor can use alongside other resources such as their own skills and expertise (human capital), tools (physical capital), or money (economic capital). Unusually, though, social capital is not necessarily ‘owned’ by the individual but instead arises as a resource which is available to them.

Putnam-Features of social organizations, such as networks, norms and trust that facilitate action and cooperation for mutual benefit.

Bonding and Bridging Networks

Horizontal and Vertical Networks

Positive and Negative Connotations

SC & SRI LANKA Why Youth? Why Reconciliation? Is SC in Use in Sri Lanka? How? Is it Effective? What Should be done to improve it?

CASE STUDIESEnhancing Knowledge and

Virtues: Student Courage

Sri Lanka Unites

Many people today agree that we need to reduce violence in our society. If we are truly serious about this, we must deal with the roots of violence, particularly those that exist within each of us. We need to embrace 'inner disarmament,' reducing our own emotions of suspicion, hatred and hostility toward our brothers and sisters.― Dalai Lama XIV

Thank You!

Q & A