This fully revised third edition of Social Capital provides a thorough overview of the intense and fast-moving debate surrounding this subject. This clear and comprehensive introduction explains the theoretical underpinning of the subject, the empirical work that has been done to explore its operation, and the influence that it has had on public policy and practice. It includes guides to further reading and a list of the most important websites.

1. The Genesis of a Concept

2.The Power of Connections

3. Walk on the Dark Side

4. Is the Internet Killing Social Capital?

5. Social Capital in Policy and Practice

6. Conclusion

John Field is Professor Emeritus in the Institute of Education, University of Stirling. He has published widely on socio-economic aspects of lifelong learning, including previous specialist studies of social capital and adult learning. He is Honorary Professor of Continuing Education at the University of Warwick and Gastprofessor at the University of Cologne.