THEORETICAL APPROACHES AND CULTURAL CHALLENGES IN RESEARCHING SOCIAL CAPITAL OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of theoretical perspectives and research on the social capital of persons with disabilities. The objectives of the paper are centered on exploring the significance of social capital in the everyday lives of persons with disabilities, with an emphasis on its effects on access to resources and social inclusion. The analysis aims to deepen the understanding of how social capital shapes the opportunities and experiences of this population, specifically how different forms of social capital impact their quality of life and social participation. An additional goal of the paper is to examine methods for measuring social capital among persons with disabilities, with particular focus on the position generator method. Social capital, understood as resources available to individuals through their social networks that can be mobilized for purposeful action, plays a crucial role in various aspects of the lives of persons with disabilities, including education, employment, healthcare, and social integration. The paper highlights the position generator method as a key tool for measuring social capital across different groups by examining respondents’ access to specific positions within the social structure. This method focuses on three main dimensions of social capital: range, strength, and accessibility, with special attention given to the first dimension in the context of the target group. Range refers to the diversity of resources a person can access through their social networks. One of the primary assumptions in the paper is that systemic and infrastructural barriers contribute to the scarcity of these resources for persons with disabilities. In this context, the paper identifies specific challenges faced by persons with disabilities in building and utilizing social capital, positioning themselves within social networks, and the factors that can either facilitate or hinder this process. Among these, the paper considers the culture of informality, a characteristic of the Western Balkans, whose dual role should not be overlooked in analyzing social networks. Finally, the author proposes guidelines for future research that could contribute to a deeper understanding and improvement of social capital among persons with disabilities.