An Invitation to Join the SERA Social Capital Network

Introduction

The Scottish Educational Research Association (SERA) sponsors several research networks as part of its leadership role in education research in Scotland. The SERA Social Capital Network is open to researchers, teachers, policy makers, and others with an interest in the role of social capital in education at all levels including lifelong learning. It is not essential that you join SERA to become a member of the Social Capital Network. However, one of the main activities of the network is to present,at the SERA Annual Conference,the results of research and to lead discussions about how social capital affects theory and practice. Members of SERA enjoy a discount on the conference fee and other benefits. (See

Social Capital is a concept that has currency in both policy and research, but is a much contested construct. There are several theoretical perspectives including a neo-maxist critical theory of social reproduction (Bourdieu); a human capital perspective (Coleman) and a political theory that supports policy intervention (Putnam). Social Capital has been the focus of a Scottish research network formed as part of the AERS initiative funded by SEED and by SFC. Since 2004, the Schools and Social Capital Network (SSC) has generated papers theorising about social capital implications for schooling and has initiated case studies and a survey of teachers. See further details on the AERS web site. ( )

Activities

The SERA Social Capital Network was formed in November 2007 and, during 2008,was managed in conjunction with the AERS SSC Network as part of a transition and continuity strategy. In 2010 the Network is likely to conduct a forum in early summer 2008 and a further meeting during the SERA annual conference. TheNetwork isconvened by Ralph Catts (University of Stirling) who can be contacted at .

Aims

The SERA Social Capital Network aims to provide a focus forthe dissemination of research findings, critical reflection on research methods,and commentary on social capital perspectives on policy and practice. Through Network activities we aim to contribute to effective partnerships between education research, policy, and practice communities and to the development of research capacity in education in Scotland.

The Network is concerned with all aspects of social capital and education by:

  • Promoting and supporting high quality education research
  • Disseminating research findings
  • Examining the implications of research for policy and practice
  • Developing research capacity
  • Developing research methods to advance understanding of social capital in education contexts
  • Fostering links with international networks and those involved in social capital research elsewhere in Europe, Australasia, and the Americas.

How to Join

Please complete the following form and return it to Dr. Ralph Catts at the address indicated.

SERA Social Capital Network Membership Form

Please complete the following details and return this form to:

Dr. Ralph Catts, Institute of Education, Pathfoot, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA

or e-mail it to:

NAME
E-MAIL ADDRESS
TELEPHONE NUMBER
POSTAL ADDRESS
INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATION
CURRENT SERA MEMBER / YES / NO

Data Protection/Privacy Policy: Your details will be used to inform you of Social Capital Network and other SERA sponsored events. Your details will not be provided to any other agencies/people without your permission with the exception of network members.

Please place a cross in the box if you do notwish your details to be shared within the network

(If you cannot see the box, please go into View on the toolbar and then click on Print Layout)