Social capital and social cohesion in community development

Abstract

In summary, it might be concluded that the level of social capital is closely related with development of social cohesion, since active civil communities and participation of community members in volunteer activities are the required factors of social capital, promoting and increasing social, civil, and economic activity of individuals, which is based on the mutual understanding, shared values and goals of community members. Thus, following the concept of social cohesion, which is defined as creation of the environment, where individuals, groups, communities would wish to trust and cooperate for achieving the common goals, an important part of social cohesion is ensuring the development of civil communities. This development requires regular interaction between the community members and continuous support of the community network, as well as search for the ways to incorporate the social capital. Finally, close associations between development of social cohesion and high social capital level could help to solve the issues of social exclusion, arising the society and in the community.