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A framework to measure social capital in New Zealand was completed in 2001 and published in a research report.
For the purposes of this framework social capital was defined as "relationships among actors that create a capacity to act for mutual benefit or a common purpose".
Using this definition, and drawing on the work of sociologist James Coleman, a Mäori concept of social capital, and the experience of overseas field researchers, a framework of four parts has been proposed. The four parts are behaviours, attitudes and values, population groups, and organisations. For each of these parts several indicators have been suggested, eg giving to strangers is suggested as a behavioural indicator of social capital. Possible ways of measuring these indicators are also presented.
The framework is intended to stimulate discussion and to inform understanding of the statistical components and measures of social capital in New Zealand.
For further information contact social.conditions@stats.govt.nz.
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