Evaluating Social Capital in Rio''s Favelas

The purpose of this paper was to define social capital and to create a framework to measure the effects of social capital in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. For six months, two NGOs and one community project served as a case study to determine how social capital aided in development. I found that social capital can be conceptualized in three steps. The first is to identify a development initiative. The second is to pool, share, and exchange resources. Finally, the third step is to use those resources to produce development. I theorize that social capital is not complete unless it concludes with development. I also determine that measurement of social capital is possible if one pays specific attention the frequency of interaction between the actors involved in the development process.

Autorentext

Jamie Worms has traveled to Brazil five times and spent nearly three years studying, volunteering and working with various geographically and thematically distinct NGOs (non-governmental organizations) in upwards of 20 favela communities throughout Rio de Janeiro.