Anti 'social capital'. Civic values versus economic equality in the EU

The concept of social capital proposes that societies with denser social networks tend to have more effective political institutions, be more cohesive and record stronger economic performances. However the causal foundations of this influential model have not been critically examined. Some evidence put forward in Putnam's analysis of the Italian regions is questioned. An empirical assessment of the model in relation to European Union member states is carried out. Although the data fit the model, an alternative equality model is statistically stronger as well as intuitively more appealing. The reasons for the strong appeal of the social capital model despite its weaknesses are discussed.