Policy Hub
On 10 November 2005, the Australian Review of Public Affairs (ARPA) published a report (Social rights and social capital: welfare and co-operation in complex global society) Social capital is a useful but contested concept, with ongoing confusion over indicators and (negative) outcomes. However, the report argues that the bonding/bridging distinction offers a good way past these problems. Bonding and bridging incorporate two types of networks and two types of trust. The report argues that a shift from bridging to bonding and a loss in social rights is taking place, as welfare is rendered more punitive, stigmatised, and individualised within liberal welfare countries like Australia.
The full report can be viewed on the ARPA website.