한국의 사회적 자본과 갈등: 사회적 자본의 다면적 속성에 대한 재조명 = Social Capital and Social Conflicts in Korea: The Multiple Facets of Social Capital

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This paper explores how multiple facets of social capital in Korea affects social conflict. The notion of social capital is composed of several elements including (1) social trust in generalized others (2) confidence in public sector fairness and the principles of democracy (3) social networks and closures and (4) community spirit and collective norms. We particularly examine how these multiple dimensions of social capital affect an individual`s tendency of social conflict orientation. The findings address the following four points. First, an individual, who trusts generalized others in a society, is less likely to be exclusive and conflict-oriented. Second, the more an individual has confidence in the efficacy of democratic processes and public sector fairness, the more (s)he is likely to be social integration oriented. When an individual, in contrast, gives strong support to a particular party (or government in power), the person is more likely to be conflict oriented. Third, an individual who mobilizes exclusive social closures to solve a problem is more likely to be conflict oriented. However, an individual who maintains a variety of inclusive social networks is more likely to be social integration oriented. Finally, the internalization of collective norms does not affect directly the tendency of individual`s social conflict orientation. Increasing social capital at the individual level does not automatically guarantee societal level conflict resolutions. Rather, building extensive social closures based on strong family or hometown ties, school connections, political interests has detrimental effects on social integration and conflict resolutions. More, constructive social integration in a society requires higher level of open social networks, consistent administrative and democratic procedures, and social trust in generalized others.