Social Capital and Social Identity: Friendship and Kinship connections as a source of social capital

This chapter explores relationships between what are complex and shifting socio-economic and political conditions and the role and connections of norms and networks of social-cooperation, such as friendship networks and kinship connections within Latvia. These "connections" and "kinships" have long served as a source of social capital it is argued, which is beyond the immediate circle of friends. Research does suggest these relationships often perform functions usually associated with formal civil society, particularly in times of need.

Specifically, this chapter considers the nature and practice of 'blat' which is something, it is argued, so natural it is not even though about. During Soviet times it developed into a quiet resistance against the official system making life bearable for citizens. It also considers links between social network theory, new-institutionalism and social capital.