Social Capital: The Forgotten Responsivity Factor

• In Event: Risk and Responsivity in Corrections

Abstract

Although theory and research implicate both personal and social risk factors as drivers for criminal behavior, contemporary correctional practices focus almost exclusively on the role of personal agency. In fact, evidence-based practice and the popular RNR model of intervention emphasize the importance of building human capital, with little attention being given to the social contexts and connections essential for human development. We contend that social capital is an important responsivity factor that, if ignored, will limit the extent to which programs can facilitate positive change among correctional clients. Policy and programmatic strategies for building social capital are explored.

Authors

• Betsy Matthews, Eastern Kentucky University

• Deborah Koetzle, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY