Reciprocity of Social Capital and Collective Action

This article explores the social capital of the Applegate Partnership forest stewardship group with an adaptation of Flora and Flora's model of Entrepreneurial Social Infrastructure (ESI), arguing that social capital both inheres in community infrastructure and results from collective action. By examining the community setting and the emergence of an ad hoc collaborative group, this case study demonstrates the importance of ESI components-social diversity, community resources, and networks-for the social action. Through describing the accomplishments of the group, this study demonstrates that collective action can, in turn, create new social capital, forging networks and mobilizing resources for further community development.