The level and distribution of social capital in Ireland

Abstract

The concept and term ‘social capital’ has enjoyed widespread currency in recent years not least in Ireland where it has emerged prominently in public policy debates (NESF, 2003). Claims have frequently been advanced that social capital is declining as people have less time to volunteer and be engaged in their local communities (Bohan, 2002). However, there is very limited evidence to support or reject these claims in the case of Ireland given the paucity of data, over time, on key aspects of social capital.