Social capital as cause and consequence of rural touristic development: The case of Lindoso (Portugal)

Abstract

This paper seeks to deepen research on the relationship established between social capital and tourism, namely on the less explored aspect of the reciprocity in this relationship; in other words, the forms by which social capital affects tourism development and how tourism development has influenced the evolution of social capital are the object of analysis. The paper uses a qualitative approach based on in-depth interviews and discourse analysis. Results show that a lack of use of social capital provokes a vicious circle of social capital destruction, meeting Putnam's (1995, 2000) theories in his magnum opus Bowling Alone. Results additionally show that social capital facilitates tourism development and, in turn, tourism development promotes the creation of bridging social capital in the community. This paper concludes presenting policy proposals that seek to lead the territory towards a more sustainable community approach to the tourism model using the existing social capital and fostering its growth