Möjliga rum för socialt kapital i El Sistema

Abstract

The study results show that children and parents develop social networks characterized by mutual trust and faith. Swedish society, with its strong public welfare system, has a high level of interpersonal trust. In the voluntary Swedish Municipal School of Culture, in which El Sistema constitutes a part, despite mutual hierarchical governance, mutual trust and confidence can thus be created social capital. But it is a temporary and fragile social capital. El Sistema is often run as temporary projects, which means that there is an uncertainty about continuation. Despite this uncertain ground, trusting relationships and faith between teachers and families are created. In these relationships are El Sistema's most valuable social capital, which generates both bonding, bridging and linking social capital. But social capital can quickly decline. Therefore, this study recommends that El Sistema should combine organizational hierarchy with social networks to ensure more sustainable structures that over time can safeguard social capital in the form of trusting relationships. In this way, El Sistema can contribute with a sustainable puzzle piece in a democratic community building. The study's result aim to contribute to research on the third space of music by emphasizing the importance of mutual trust and confidential relationships that create social capital.