Thursday, April 2, 2009

The Arts and Social Capital

I don't have a background in economics or sociology, but I know that the term social capital refers to the value of meaningful human interaction-- cooperation, understanding, building trust, bridging social gaps, easing ethnic tensions. High social capital strengthens a community. Low social capital leads to an intolerant and corrupt society and citizens who are apathetic about their local government. It becomes difficult to identify problems and find solutions. Crime increases. The concept of social capital has been obscured by our current economic panic.

Community arts events and artist groups help to build social capital which can result in actual capital for a city. Therefore, cultural events should not be eliminated when a city is struggling. The arts should not be viewed as just peripheral activities in a city.

A 1996 study found that two thirds of all major city arts agencies in the US were involved in crime prevention, 9 out of 10 involved in helping at risk youth, 9 out of 10 involved in raising cross-cultural awareness (Source: United States Urban Federation, June 1996 Report on the Arts Councils in the 50 largest US cities). So putting the arts on the back burner is not a good idea if a city wants to improve. Smart government leaders can see the interconnectedness and synergy of it all, and the value of the arts. It's more than just pretty pictures for your walls, and it's not just a luxury reserved for the wealthy class.

In Italy, a study of Italian regional government found a strong relationship between the number of choral societies and the effectiveness of government. Apparently, communities that sing together are happy with their government! (Source: Robert D. Putnam, Making Democracy Work, 1993.)

There is a mountain of evidence that arts programs keep kids safe, prevent crime, and beautify shabby neighborhoods.

Art also brings joy to people's lives, and joy makes us more willing to reach out and connect with each other. (Source: Michael Argyle, In Pursuit of the Quality of Life, 1996).

When people attend a cultural event or join a community arts group, they can discover shared understandings. When they participate in creating art, music, or dance, they can learn from each other, become more accepting of differences, respect each other more, and build friendships. The arts are unique in that way.

Dollars and cents aren't the only way to define a successful society. For example, in Canada they developed "Canada's Genuine Progress Index"(GPI) which is a measure of national well being > http://www.gpiatlantic.org/gpi.htm It has five parts: time use (volunteerism, housework and childcare, leisure time), natural capital, human and social capital, human impact on the environment, and living standards. Perhaps we should develop something like this in the U.S., because the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) does not measure human well being.

The GDP shows how much income we produce, but not how it is distributed-- and we know there has been a growing gap between the rich and poor in America.


Bob Lynch, President of Americans for the Arts, estimated that 10,000 arts organizations in the U.S. will close their doors this year. That's 10% of all arts organizations. Maybe during tough economic times, the non-profits and the arts institutions need to find new ways to demonstrate the value of the arts. Perhaps a model for assessing social capital is needed. People will spend time and money on something they feel is valuable in their lives.

I believe we need to create more social capital. Here are 150 things you can do to help create more social capital in Allentown > http://www.bettertogether.org/150ways.htm


Photo: HALA Community Mural at 5th and Gordon Sts., Courtesy Allentown Good News Blog

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sometimes the best "cents" is common sense and this blog post is just overflowing with it. It all makes SO MUCH SENSE. And the 150 things to do (other than whining :) is AMAZING. I am making MY LIST NOW.

Angie Villa said...

Thanks Anon. According to the list of 150 things to do, just sitting on your stoop creates social capital! I love Canada's idea of assessing the value of housework, and childcare. I have heard that if a stay at home mom made a salary it would be around 130K a year, considering the long hours involved.

Anonymous said...

"130K"

Sounds good but don't forget "no sick days" for Mom.

The City Official said...

"Social Capital" what a neat concept.

Angie Villa said...

One thing that can be harmful to the creation of social capital in Allentown is having a newspaper that allows racism and hate at it's reader's forum. Actually, newspapers should help build social capital by informing citizens. Now that our newspaper is more concerned about revenue, they pander to their audience, which judging by the forum comments seems to be mostly people who have negative opinions about Allentown and are from the far right, neo conservative wing. They don't represent most of the citizens, and neither does the mostly neo-con local blogosphere.

Anonymous said...

Now that our newspaper is more concerned about revenue, they pander to their audience


ain't THIS the truth! MC is getting like the locals blogs. everything is circus atmospehere oriented.

Bill Villa said...

Oh geez don't get us started on The Morning Call (wink wink) "newspaper" ... they're totally bankrupt when it comes to Social Capital, and w/ a little luck, they'll be bankrupt in the "going out of business" cents, soon.

Alfonso said...

I'll be performing in several art festivals across the Lehigh Valley this summer and I have to agree that the Arts ARE an important part to any community and SOCIETY as a whole. Unfortunately, it's the SUPPORT of the Arts that keeps people from moving forward. I am hoping that with all of the new events going on this summer, that it is a sign of a true RENNAISSANCE and they are not just one time occurrences !


UPWARD BOUND, ALLENTOWN II

WE DON'T STOP !!!

- J.

Bill Villa said...

Readers, thanks to you, this week, and for the 13th week in the past 18 weeks ...

LVS is the #1 Most Influential Political Blog Per Post in the state of Pennsylvania.

LVS is also the (non-newspaper-affiliated) #1 Most Influential Political Blog in the Lehigh Valley again this week.