Community worth having : a social capital perspective

• Main Author: Ostien, Abigail J., 1971-
• Other Authors: McDonough, Kevin (advisor)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 2001
• Subjects: Civics.; Community organization.; Social participation.
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=32933

The relationships between various civic virtues and participation in community groups were explored. The present thesis was not an exhaustive integration of theories on Civic Virtue. Rather, it highlighted virtues (i.e., authenticity, moral wisdom, trust, reciprocity and tolerance) selected for their value in educating members of social capital groups toward a broader understanding of the self and others in a deliberative, pluralist democracy. This thesis relied primarily on theories from the disciplines of political philosophy and philosophy of education. Three major conclusions emerged from the present investigation. First, schools are not the only venue in which education for civic virtue occurs. Indeed, social capital groups provide a vital context for civic learning. Second, the existence of diversity within social capital groups enhances the educational potential of participating in civic life. And third, social capital groups can potentially have a socially progressive impact in a liberal, deliberative democracy.