SOURCES AND PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The paper elucidates the specifics of sources and principles of social capital development as an essential component of economy socialization processes. The potential of education, civil activism (volunteering in particular) and social innovations as sources of social capital development is reasoned. In this respect, the gamification is considered to be a striking example of an innovation with the constructive impact and the ability to initiate and support the processes of social cohesion. The prospects and advantages of gamification are regarded as tangible in view of the fact that its elements are being widely employed by commercial companies in personnel consolidation. In Ukraine, gamification proved effective also in public management for enhancing communication and cooperation in local communities. Both the central government and the local authorities have found the gamification approach valuable in this regard. The paper argues that the current scientific discourse virtually neglects the significance of educational aspects of social capital formation. It is concluded, that under present conditions education must be deemed as a crucial source of social capital. With reference to this, the paramount importance of general (school) education having probably the strongest social impact is postulated. It is claimed that basically, the principles of social capital development imply its nature as an economic phenomenon and resource. Such principles include sociocentric rationality, complex (Pareto efficient) utilitarianism, synergy of socio-economic interaction being institutionally preconditioned, as well as social freedom. In this regard, the understanding of the differences between social and individual freedom is deepened. It is proposed to consider social freedom as a principle of social capital development from the standpoint of complexity, which involves taking into account the specifics of civil and economic freedom, as well as the imperatives of human development.