The Bridging and Bonding Character of Local Identities

For Easton (1965) identification with the political community is one of the three pillars of support upon which the stability of a political system rests and From a political culture perspective the local political community is seen as major source for civic orientations. A related debate on social capital emphasizes the emotional ties and connectivity with and within the (local) community as a promoter of social norms, reciprocity and civic action. Recently, objects concerning the dark side of social capital have been raised and the importance of a distinction between bridging and bonding forms of social capital are discussed. The proposed paper will connect these two strands of research and ask, whether there are bridging and bonding consequences of local identity. In a second step, I will argue that the divergent effects of the local affiliation is potentially moderated by it’s differing origins.