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Young people and social capital

BOECK, Thilo
FLEMING, Jennie
KEMSHALL, Hazel
June 2006

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This brief paper explores the concept of social capital and its bearing on young people's lives. In particular it distinguishes between a static social capital (strong/static networks, immediate reciprocity, restricted sense of belonging and outlook in life) and dynamic social capital (diverse networks, generalised reciprocity and diverse outlook). It suggests that young people should be encouraged to embrace an enhanced version of dynamic social capital, and should be offered opportunities to do so. An enhanced dynamic social capital would enable them to cope with risks rather that avoid them, and would give them access to more power and opportunities

Social capital and transnational South Asian families : rituals, care and provision

MAND, Kanwal
March 2006

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This paper looks at social capital in the context of migration. It challenges the view that critical processes of social changes such as migration undermine and weaken social capital assets. It shows how transnational networks are strengthened and maintained, and social norms enhanced and replicated as a coping strategy in times of social changes. The paper focuses in particular on family ties, ethnicity, gender, household, care and provision. Some of the conclusions may be applied to other contexts, such as emergency situations, conflict situations and contexts of particular hardship

A historical overview of health disparities and the potential of eHealth solutions

GIBBONS, M
2005

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Over the past decade a rapidly expanding body of literature has demonstrated the existence of disparities in health and health care. While consensus has not emerged regarding the causes of disparities, they are generally thought to be related to sociocultural, behavioural, economic, environmental, biologic, or societal factors. To effectively address disparities, several authorities have suggested the need for greater information technology research and investments. eHealth researchers may be able to make significant contributions in this area through research and its applications. This paper begins with a historical overview of health disparities in the United States and Europe. It then discusses the role that the Internet, and access to the Internet, may play in the genesis of health disparities. Finally, this paper closes with a discussion of the potential benefits of eHealth applications and the possible contributions of the field to overcoming disparities in health and health care

Social capital and children's wellbeing : a critical synthesis of the international social capital literature

FERGUSON, Kristin M
October 2004

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This literature review looks at main international studies on social capital and children's and youth's wellbeing, presents a critical analysis of the concept and discusses its relevance as a reliable predictor of positive future outcomes for children and young people. It outlines both family social capital indicators - including family structure, quality of parent-child relations, adult's interest in the child, parent's monitoring of the child and extended family exchange and support - and community social capital indicators - which comprise social support networks, civic engagement in local institutions, trust and safety, degree of religiosity, quality of school and quality of neighbourhood. The article calls for further empirical scrutiny of social capital predictors, while accepting that the impact of social capital on children's future attainments is second only to poverty

Integrated questionnaire for the measurement of social capital

GROOTAERT, Christiaan
et al
2004

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This paper introduces a tool, the Integrated Questionnaire for the Measurement of Social Capital, with a focus on developing countries. The tool aims to generate quantitative data on six dimensions of social capital as part of a larger household survey. These dimensions are: groups and networks, trust and solidarity, collective action and cooperation, information and communication, social cohesion and inclusion, empowerment and political action. The tool was tested in Albania and Nigeria and the lessons learned are presented

HIV/AIDS : a resource for journalists

SOUL CITY INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION
et al
2002

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A consice handbook to help journalists cover HIV/AIDS in an effective and responsible manner. Provides South African-based contacts, websites and basic information on a wide range of HIV-related issues

Social capital and coping with economic shocks : an analysis of stunting of South African children

CARTER, M R
MALUCCIO, J A
2002

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This study explores household coping capacity in relation to social context and community supporting networks, using data on household responses to economic shocks and their effects on child nutritional status. It makes a critical point, supported by evidence, that households in communities with more social capital seem better able to weather economic shocks

Measuring social capital : towards a theoretically informed measurement framework for researching social capacity in family and community life

STONE, Wendy
February 2001

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This paper is based on a study carried out in Australia to develop a measurement framework for social capital. It considers relations such as families, neighbours and friends, group and non-group relations, and work associations; and trust and relationship are examined. The study ends with principles for measuring social capital

Information and communication technologies and disability in developing countries : a technical note

SANDHU, Jim S
SAARNIO, Ilkka
WIMAN, Ronald
2001

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This study highlights the role information and communication technologies (ICT) can play in the fight against poverty of disabled people in developing countries. The study addresses the possibilities and barriers ICT can cause for disabled people. It shows the role ICT can play in the provision of services and information for disabled people in the context of middle and low income countries

Information and communication technologies in Africa

ADEYA, Catherine Nyaki
2001

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[From foreward:] This literature review and annotated bibliography explore the evidence for the potential of ICTs (information and communication technologies) to assist in Africa's development, and the extent to which ICTs are changing the 'shape' of Africa. The review begins by introducing ICTs and the information economy in the African context. The literature selected for the bibliography is then reviewed thematically under a number of headings: Overview of ICTs in Africa; Information infrastructure; Information economy; Information management; Socio-cultural and political issues; Education and training; and Gender. The review reveals that, despite many constraints, the use of ICTs is growing in Africa and there have been successful developments in infrastructure, information management, networking and gender-related issues. However, the literature has also revealed considerable variation between different African countries in their adoption and use of these technologies. The literature reviewed relates primarily to anglophone Africa and generally excludes telecommunications issues, as these are already well documented in other publications. In essence it is hoped that this publication will act as a window of opportunity for more nationally and locally focused empirical research and will make a contribution to understanding the research opportunities and challenges that still face most African countries

Social capital and civil society

FUKUYAMA, Francis
1999

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A paper documenting the core concepts of social capital and its economic and political functions. It traces the origins of social capital and suggests how it can be cultivated. It explores core concepts, but uses academic and sometimes complex words to describe them

Social Capital Gateway : resources for the study of social capital

SABATINI, Fabio
Ed

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This website contains useful resources for researchers, teachers, students, and practitioners interested in social interactions and social capital. Resources are organised by topics, including: social capital and the economy, social capital in developed countries, social capital in low-income countries, social capital and institutions, social capital and transition, social capital and well-being. Includes directories on specialised websites, digital libraries, and social scientists interested in social capital

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