Network Theories of N. Christakis and M. Granovetter: Heuristic Possibilities in Researching the Social Capital of Local Self-Government

Abstract

The article examines local self-government bodies (LSBs) as a social network and a center for the formation and accumulation of social capital. Social capital is considered as the basis for the activities of LSBs, which, in turn, is the basis for the development of communities in the context of modern socio-political challenges. The focus is on the specific properties of the social network that contribute to the growth of social capital. The heterogeneity and plurality of the concepts of social capital and social network are demonstrated. The hypothesis is put forward that social capital is an important factor in the formation of civil society, as well as the effective functioning of LSBs. Based on John Gaventa's concept of the basic principles of public authority, the properties of the new LSB policy within the framework of the decentralization reform are described. Key concepts of social capital are analyzed (P. Bourdieu, J. Coleman, N. Lin), thanks to which a number of conceptualizations are proposed, in particular LSBs interpreted as a social network with processes of social capital growth. The potential for the formation of social capital is considered through the theories of social networks of N. Christakis and M. Granovetter. Based on the ideas of N. Christakis, it is found that the LSU is a non-spontaneous social network with a special set of connections, in which intragroup connections; cohesion; emergence; the presence of intra-network groups are singled out among the factors of social capital formation. The principle of "weak" ties of M. Granovetter is separately discussed in the optics of the analysis of LSU, according to which "weak" ties "work" as a capacitor of social capital, which opens access to various resources: information, jobs, financial sources, other social and material values. The author summarizes the heuristic prospects of studying LSU as a social network (in particular, as a place of social capital formation) through the prism of the concepts of M. Granovetter and N. Christakis.