Social Capital in Kungsmarken
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Thesis for the European Spatial Planning and Regional Development Masters Program Blekinge Tekniska Högskola Social Capital in Kungsmarken An overview of influencing factors in Karlskrona, Sweden Susanna Lewis June 4, 2010 Abstract: This thesis is a quest to identify the factors that influence social capital in one spatially isolated, multi-ethnic neighborhood, Kungsmarken. The commonly held view that many Modernist-style housing estates have evolved into dead-end areas that breed social ills and require endless outside assistance (Jane Jacobs), does not contain the whole truth. A fraction of this complex problem will be tackled in this thesis. The study case of Kungsmarken in Karlskrona, Sweden, is studied to better understand the links between an area’s physical structure, demographics, socio-cultural trends, economy, and social capital. By analyzing these various potential factors, interviewing the residents and other key persons, and examining public statistics, the author draws several conclusions. One main conclusion is that the social capital developments in Kungsmarken can be directly linked to the broad economic trends in the municipality. Other conclusions include that while the physical structure is a hindrance, trust and close relationships still exist between the residents, which indicates that social capital exists there. The ultimate objective of this study is to identify and explain the factors that either help or hinder the development of social in Kungsmarken. Key Words: Social Capital, Trust, Participation, Robert Putnam, Jane Jacobs, RESTATE, Million Homes Program, Kungsmarken, Karlskrona, Sweden Table of Contents Chapter One: Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Outline ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.4 Methodology ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Chapter Two: Theoretical Study ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Introduction to Robert Putnam ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 2.1.1 Limitations of Bowling Alone ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 2.2 Introduction to Jane Jacobs............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 2.2.1 Limitations of The Death and Life of Great American Cities......................................................................................................................................................... 5 2.3 Introduction to RESTATE ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 2.3.1 Limitations of RESTATE ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6 2.4 Summary................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Chapter Three: What is Social Capital? .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 3.1 Trust and generalized reciprocity ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 3.2 Different types of social capital: Bridging and bonding .................................................................................................................................................... 9 3.3 Factors that influence social capital ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 3.3.1 Education ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9 3.3.2 Generation .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10 3.3.3 Religion ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10 3.3.4 Employment/Joblessness ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................10 3.3.5 Residential Stability......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11 3.3.6 Health ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11 3.3.7 Crime ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12 3.4 Summary ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Chapter Four: Physical Analysis of Kungsmarken ................................................................................................................................................................13 4.1 Karlskrona: General Overview .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 4.2 The Million Homes Program ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 4.3 Influential Planning Theories .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 4.4 Physical Description of Kungsmarken .................................................................................................................................................................................. 16 ii 4.4.1 Monotony ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................17 4.4.2 Borders................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18 4.4.3 Assets ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................19