The British government and powerful international agencies present investment in social capital as a way of promoting neighbourhood renewal, community health and educational achievement. This book confirms the significance of social capital as an analytical tool, while challenging the basis on which current policy is being developed.

"... marks an important contribution to the emerging literature. ... thought-provoking and valuable for anyone with an interest in the development of lifelong learning." International Journal of Lifelong Education "... this is a thought-provoking book, very relevant to those concerned with community development as well as to those involved in community education, directly." Community Development Journal "[Social capital and lifelong learning] is a thought provoking book, very relevant to those concerned with community development as well as to those involved in community education directly." Community Development Journal "John Field is a leading international thinker in the lifelong learning field. His new book will contribute to the developing debate on the relevance of social capital to social policy analysis in the UK. Highly recommended." Alan Tuckett, Director, NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education)