Social contexts and building social capital for collective action: three case studies of volunteers in the context of HIV and AIDS in South Africa

摘要: Social capital is increasingly conceptualised in academic and policy literature as a panacea for range of health development issues, particularly the context HIV. In this paper, we conceptualise social an umbrella concept capturing processes including networks, norms, trust relationships that open up opportunities participation collective action allow communities to address issues common concern. We specifically outline comprising three distinct forms: bonding, bridging linking capital. Rather than presenting original data, draw on well-documented previously published case studies volunteers South Africa. explore how contexts shape possibility emergence sustainability identify cross-cutting contextual factors are critical barriers capital: poverty, stigma weakness external organisations’ abilities support small groups. Our suggest assumption can be generated from ground upwards not reasonable. Rather, there needs greater focus those charged with supporting groups—non-governmental organisations, bureaucracies agencies—can work enable emerge. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.