Juan David Gómez-Quintero

Una aproximación a la cuantificación y caracterización del capital social: una variable relevante en el desarrollo de la provincia de Teruel, España

Social capital has the capacity to mobilize the resources embedded in the social networks of the members of a community. The presence of this capital is related to a range of benefits to individuals and societies, while a lack of such capital may imply hampered develop¬ment. The aim of this paper is to analyze and characterize the social capital of the province of Teruel (Spain), a rural territory characterized by a fragmented economy. The research methodology includes measuring the levels of social trust and estimating as - sociational density through secondary sources analysis. The results provide information on the strength of intra-community networks and, simultaneously, the precariousness of extra- community networks. These aspects must be considered when designing policies aimed at generating social capital, a cru-cial element for aiding the province in breaking the vicious cycle in which it is embroiled.

Transnational Political Echolocation An Emancipatory Strategy for Excluded Social Groups

This article analyses a particular case of interactions between “Southern” and “Northern” nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). It considers a sample of Colombian social movements and organizations concerned with victims of Colombian armed conflicts as well as some Spanish NGOs working in Colombia. Specifically, it considers relationships, communication processes, and organizational patterns, and identifies an emergent practice of “transnational political echolocation” understood in terms of mobilizing and grievance strategies within a transnational arena shaped by information and communication technologies.