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Social Capital as Obstacle to Development: Brokering Land,Norms, and Trust in Rural India

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  • Michael Levien

    (Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi)

Abstract

Based on a study of how land brokers in rural Rajasthan mediate the arrival of a Special Economic Zone, this paper argues that theories of collective social capital cannot explain how networks, norms, and trust interact in a process of economic change. It then reconstructs Bourdieu's distinct theory of individual social capital by showing how better connected farmers are able to broker land and capture profits at the expense of fellow villagers—undermining trust, norms, and collective action. It argues that social capital is most plausibly seen as an aspect of class inequality that hinders inclusive development.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Levien, 2014. "Social Capital as Obstacle to Development: Brokering Land,Norms, and Trust in Rural India," IEG Working Papers 341, Institute of Economic Growth.
    • Handle: RePEc:awe:wpaper:341
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    References listed on IDEAS

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