Workshops
An introductory workshop exploring the intersection of social capital and network analysis
Overview
About the Facilitator
Navigating social capital theory and literature
Overview
This workshop provides a roadmap for understanding the concept of social capital with practical tools to help organize and understand the different conceptual and theoretical approaches. It is designed to rapidly introduce the concept and its use in research, helping avoid weeks or even months of reading. It will help you quickly navigate the different meanings and conceptual approaches, directing you to the best approach for your research or interest and giving you reference lists and readings.
Social capital is a complex concept with many different meanings and conceptual approaches that can be difficult and complicated to understand and apply. The literature on the topic is incredibly broad and diverse, presenting an ongoing challenge for anyone interested in using the concept in research or practice. The concept has numerous theoretical foundations, making reading the literature challenging, even for experienced scholars. Most people reading the literature report feeling confused and uncertain, and everyone can benefit from a deeper understanding of the theories of social capital.
Over the last 20 years of working on the concept of social capital, Tristan Claridge, the facilitator of this workshop, has developed numerous typologies for understanding the concept. His work has sought to identify the differences and similarities of different approaches to social capital, and he has constantly asked difficult questions to explore the deeper meanings and theoretical foundations.
There are no “silver bullets” and no quick simple solutions that are appropriate for every discipline and every application. But this workshop guides and directs you. Ultimately, the goal of this workshop is to help you understand the concept better, apply it more effectively, and save you time in doing so. You will come away with a deeper understanding of the concept of social capital and how to apply it in research or practice.
Objectives or Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Define social capital and explain its relevance across a range of research and practical contexts.
- Recognize the diversity of conceptual and theoretical approaches to social capital, including key distinctions and debates.
- Navigate the literature efficiently using typologies and frameworks that organize and differentiate major schools of thought.
- Identify which theoretical approach to social capital best aligns with their research goals or practical application.
- Critically evaluate different definitions and uses of social capital in academic and grey literature.
- Apply social capital theory with greater clarity and confidence in their own research, policy, or practice.
- Access curated resources and reading lists to deepen their understanding beyond the workshop.
- Avoid common pitfalls and misunderstandings that arise when working with social capital.
Intended Audience
This workshop is designed for:
- Researchers and postgraduate students across disciplines (e.g., sociology, economics, political science, public health, education, development studies) who are using or considering using the concept of social capital.
- Practitioners and professionals working in community development, social policy, international development, public health, disaster management, education, and related fields where social capital is relevant.
- Policy analysts and decision-makers seeking a clearer understanding of how social capital can inform evidence-based policies and programs.
Consultants and evaluators who encounter social capital in impact assessments or stakeholder analyses. - Anyone new to the concept of social capital who wants a structured and time-efficient introduction grounded in deep expertise and a critical approach.
No prior expertise in social capital theory is required, but a basic familiarity with social science concepts will be helpful.
About the Facilitator
Tristan Claridge is a Visiting Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University and the Director of the Institute for Social Capital. He is an independent researcher, consultant, and trainer working to advance the concept of social capital. His work utilizes the concept of social capital in various applications, including economic development, community development, organizational and project performance, poverty alleviation, and others. Over the last twenty years, he has worked to improve the theories of social capital and assist others to improve their understanding and use of the concept in research, practice, and policy. He has developed an approach to the application of social capital that is logically consistent, theoretically grounded, and easy to understand and apply to research and practical applications. He draws on lessons from economics, sociology, political science, psychology, urban planning, and any other discipline that contributes understanding to the concept. Driven by his belief in the power of discourse and collaboration, Tristan continues to work towards advancing social capital theory and practice globally. Tristan is the current President of the International Social Capital Association and chair of the Social Capital Paradigm Interest Group.
Sparking Social Capital utilizing new Digital Tools and old Community Organizing methods
Overview
How can we build social capital by utilizing new digital tools combined with traditional organizing methods that create opportunities for individual prosperity and community power? For the past decade Union Capital (unioncapital.org) has been piloting and building a new digital tool that rewards community and civic engagement in two cities in the United States (Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts). Join us to learn more about Union Capital’s disruptive model that sparks community and civic engagement by utilizing 20th Century community organizing practices merged with 21st Century mobile technology, which has resulted in sustainable measurable impact in under-resourced communities.
The workshop will engage in a Consultancy Protocol (https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/2020/10/consultancy_structure_1.pdf) to question the efficacy of combining community networking with digital tools and rewards. The Protocol will ask participants to consider and discuss these questions and more: What are the benefits of this new type of engagement method, and what are the challenges? How can we measure sustainable and meaningful impact through this type of model, and what are the limitations? How might these models and tools be replicable and utilized in other communities around the world? The session will conclude with new ideas and next steps for connecting our emerging model in one corner of the world with research and practitioners across the globe that could benefit from our learnings and vice versa.
Objectives or Learning Outcomes:
– Analyze a new model that uses technology to foster community engagement
– Learn about the components of the UC Model (App Rewards, Network Nights, Leadership training) that can be used and implemented anywhere
– Debate the efficacy of digital tools and incentives to spark real-world participation
– Foster connections across regions with like-minded people eager to implement practices that build social capital
Intended Audience
This workshop is designed for anyone interested in learning about innovative models for building social capital. It is most specifically applicable to practitioners around the world who might want to utilize components of the Union Capital model in their methods. Data analysis will be shared and debated, so it will also be valuable to have researchers and students join the discussion as well.
Accessibility considerations
As a former educator and middle school principal I believe strongly in interactive and inclusive learning experiences. This presentation will utilize video storytelling, guided note handouts, and a shortened version of a Consultancy Protocol that is designed to be inclusive of multiple learning styles, as well as solicit audience participation and collaboration. Participants will be invited to analyze and question the information presented and engage with each other in potential improvements, impacts, and opportunities.
About the Facilitator
Eric Leslie is the founder and lead organizer of Union Capital (unioncapital.org). Eric began his career as a community organizer in Baltimore and New York City with the Industrial Areas Foundation. Eric later joined Teach For America and taught middle school in North Philadelphia, serving as principal of KIPP Philadelphia Charter School from 2008-2012. Eric returned home to attend the mid-career Masters in Public Administration program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in 2013 and founded Union Capital in Boston the following year. Founded in 2014, Union Capital’s mission is to transform social capital into opportunity by rewarding community engagement. UC’s innovative approach combines technology and relationship building to strengthen neighborhood networks, build social capital, and create new pathways of opportunity for individuals and community. He lives back in his hometown of Cambridge, Massachusetts with his wife and two daughters.
Research methods and design workshop: Discovering what research is, how to get started, and tips for writing a literature review.
Overview
In this workshop, we’ll explore how to get started with your research study and wrap up with tips for outlining and writing your literature review. If there’s enough time, we’ll also dive into research design and how to create a clear plan to gather the data you need to answer your research questions and address the issues or concerns that sparked your study. We’ll kick things off by discussing your current knowledge of research methods and design and exploring ways to fill any gaps. Then, we’ll review the steps to begin your research, emphasize the importance of the style manual, clarify what research is, and explain how the various elements of research work together to add credibility to your work. As a group, I’d like us to develop sample qualitative and quantitative research problems, define the purpose of our studies, formulate research questions or hypotheses, and outline our literature reviews.
Objectives or Learning Outcomes:
Learning Objective 1: Assess knowledge, understanding, and ability to apply research methods.
Learning Objective 2: Understand how the style manual guides the research process and the presentation of research documents.
Learning Objective 3: Define research.
Learning Objective 4: Comprehend the relationship among the elements of research for qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
Learning Objective 5: Apply understanding of research methods to develop a sample research problem, purpose, question, and literature review outline.
Intended Audience
Research students at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, along with journal authors and practitioners.
About the Facilitator
I have a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership, a Master of Education in Counseling and Development, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership. Teaching at the college level has been a rewarding journey for me. With over 40 years of experience as a dedicated career leader and manager, I’ve had the pleasure of fostering social connections and goodwill within various organizations. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge by teaching research methods and design twice a month for the International Social Capital Association.
Using a scaffolding learning approach, I created a six-part series of lessons designed to guide researchers through the entire research process. These lessons include: What is Formal Research, How Do I Begin, Literature Review, Research Design, Analysis and Conclusions, and Putting It All Together.