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The Solaria syndrome: Social capital in a growing hyper-technological economy

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  • Antoci, Angelo
  • Sabatini, Fabio
  • Sodini, Mauro

Abstract

We develop a dynamic model to analyze the sources and the evolution of social participation and social capital in a growing economy characterized by exogenous technical progress. We start from the assumption that the well-being of agents basically depends on material and relational goods. Material goods can replace relational ones for the satisfaction of social needs, or, at least, for compensating the deprivation of human interactions. We point out the role of technical progress and the substitutability/complementarity between the two kinds of good in social interaction and the accumulation of social capital. We find that, in best case scenarios, technology may play a crucial role in supporting a “socially sustainable” economic growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Antoci, Angelo & Sabatini, Fabio & Sodini, Mauro, 2012. "The Solaria syndrome: Social capital in a growing hyper-technological economy," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 81(3), pages 802-814.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:81:y:2012:i:3:p:802-814
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2010.12.018
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technology; Economic growth; Relational goods; Social participation; Social capital; Social networks;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O41 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - One, Two, and Multisector Growth Models
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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