The tyrolese schützen and the social capital: a case study

Th e article concerns the phenomenon of the Schützen in relation to the creation of social capital in the territory of Tyrol. Th e topic is closely related to the development of the local democracy through the defense of the cultural heritage and the local traditions, that represent an effi cacious system for the social inclusion. In particular, the eff ects of the Schützen activity on the social structure are evident in the ability to create a strong sense of community, so that the level of belonging is developed in diff erent ways, that include a large part of population. Th is contribution examines the Schützen history, their organization on the territory of the Tyrol, the relation between social capital and their activities, and how the concept of Heimat can contribute to their aims.