SOCIAL CAPITAL AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT IN VALE DO RIO DOS SINOS: NOVO HAMBURGO AND ESTÂNCIA VELHA

Abstract

This article analyzes the relationship between social capital and the study development about two counties, Novo Hamburgo and Estância Velha, in Rio Grande do Sul state, these counties are situated in Rio dos Sinos Valley. Our working assumption suggests that the available social capital in these counties constitute an important variable that may partly explain the development of these cities. The methodology uses the results of two quantitative surveys, household survey type, applied in both counties, with random samples, totaling 1219 questionnaires, with sampling error of 4% and 95% confidence, as well as documentary research on those City Halls websites, IBGE, TCE and FEE. The study showed that trust that people nurture each other as well as the forms of participation, solidarity and cooperation are positively correlated with indices of local development, in other words, with indicators of longevity, income, education, access to public establishments.