Social Capital and Social Networks in the City of La Rioja

Abstract

This research was carried out in vulnerable neighborhoods of the city of La Rioja, Argentina. Its main objective was to describe the survival strategies used by women in these neighborhoods in order to make visible their important role as generators of social capital.

To this end, a survey was conducted in three neighborhoods in the eastern area of the city of La Rioja. A sample of 60 women was selected intentionally, on the basis of accessibility.

The study yielded an ambiguous result: on the one hand, it confirmed that women are the main users of relational social capital and are concerned with ensuring that it does not disappear; on the other hand, within the networks in which they move, their role is valued only as secondary or complementary.

Women in these sectors understand the notion that work in the private sphere should be carried out cooperatively; however, inequalities become visible in daily organization.

Although they are primarily responsible for building bridges among members of their households, community groups, and institutions, they consider themselves subordinated to the authority of their partners.

The notions of social capital and social network may be understood as either complementary or different. Is social capital an individual asset, or is it generated within a group? These are the questions that constitute the basis of the theoretical discussion presented through this research.