Social capital is arguably the most critical idea to emerge in thesocial sciences in the last two decades. Emphasizing the importance ofsocial networks, communication, and the symbolic and material exchangesthat strengthen communities, social capital has been the subject of anexpansive body of literature. Social Capital, Diversity, and theWelfare State represents a landmark consideration of the diversemeanings, causal foundations, and positive and negative consequences ofsocial capital, with a particular focus on its role in mitigating orenhancing social inequalities.

The chapters, written by economists, political scientists, andsociologists, address a range of empirical and theoretical issues. Thisbook is cutting-edge addition to the field that offers fresh insightsinto the conceptualization, operation, sources, and consequences ofsocial capital in Canadian society.