The ties that bind - An exploratory study of social capital in peacebuilding initiatives in Guatemala

Abstract

This thesis investigates the relationship between social capital and peacebuilding, and the potential contribution peacebuilding efforts can make in terms of generating social capital in post-conflict countries. Using a qualitative methodological approach, seven local civil society organizations in Guatemala were interviewed with the purpose of understanding in what way the organizations are contributing to the generation of social capital. The material was examined through an analytical framework consisting of three social capital dimensions and seven peacebuilding functions in order to explore the activities of the organizations and what dimensions of social capital that is expressed in their activities. The study finds that the organizations are engaged in several peacebuilding functions and are focusing their work through these functions towards generating bridging and linking social capital in Guatemala