The role of social capital in preventing physical violence

Abstract

The aim of this article is to review the literature on the effects of social environment on the development of physical aggression. We have chosen to consider the social environment in terms of a relatively recent unifying concept, the social capital. In recent years, this concept has increasingly come to the fore. Initially formulated by Bourdieu, Coleman and Putnam to explain such phenomena as social stratification and economic and political development, it has since been utilized to interpret various aspects of life in society. From the developmental standpoint, several empirical studies have demonstrated that both familial and extra-familial social capital have an effect, even in the long term, on the adaptation of children, on academic results and socio-economic success, and on health and well-being. In general, the social capital perspective has proved useful in helping to understand aggressive behavior and violence, though much more research is needed. Not all forms of social capital act in the same way, and several studies have found that social capital seems to exert a preventive effect on aggressive behavior only in certain circumstances and only with regard to some types of persons. The various types of social capital have a differential impact according to the age of the individual. Family social capital and the relationship resources offered by the child welfare system chiefly act during early childhood and childhood, when learning to regulate physical aggression appears to be at its peak. The influence of peers has been shown mainly during late childhood and adolescence: however, it is very likely that it is present very early at home through siblings, and in day care. Violent subcultures and organized crime are more likely to exert a direct effect on adolescents and adults. Broadly speaking, it seems that social capital at the micro level plays a stronger role during childhood,while the macro level acts especially during adolescence and adult life.