Sociala företag för lokal mobilisering och samhällsutveckling - Svb-bolagets roll i lokala utvecklingsinitiativ

Abstract

This thesis explores the concept of social capital in relation to the mobilization of citizens for a more active role in the development of their local society. A case study have been conducted investigating and comparing the approaches of two special types of limited companies for society development, both owned and established by locally based non-profit associations. Both of these associations are based in rural towns in the Scanian country-side and were founded for the strengthening and development of their respective local society. Their respective limited companies were established to provide further capability for action in this endeavor. The aim of the study is to provide an understanding of how the use of social capital can affect the outcome of initiatives intended to empower citizens in their ability to partake in the creation and development of their own society. It also examines the view of the companies as co-creators of their local societies as perceived by representatives of both the companies and of the local municipalities. The study concludes that social capital plays an important role in the activation of citizens for collaborative societal development and that the studied companies can act as a means for further development of such social capital. Further, the study concludes that the companies are seen as a valuable resource for societal development by both company- and municipal representatives, however the appropriate manners of utilizing such resources are yet to be firmly established.