People with a learning disability in society and in the church: theological reflections on the consequences of contemporary social welfare policies as seen through the lens of social capital theory

Crisp, Anthony Gerard (2013). People with a learning disability in society and in the church: theological reflections on the consequences of contemporary social welfare policies as seen through the lens of social capital theory. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Jürgen Moltmann suggests that where liberal market welfare policies are introduced people with learning disabilities are disadvantaged, whereas Christian communities provide a more favourable environment. This hypothesis is investigated by assessing the social capital available to two groups of people with a learning disability. The members of one group are being supported to live independent lives as ‘citizen consumers.’ The second group are members of a Roman Catholic parish community supported by their families.

The results suggest that both groups have few resources of bridging or linking capital. The second group have larger and richer resources of bonding capital which comes largely through family networks. They also had significant resources of spiritual capital but not religious capital.

In the light of the results, a theological critique is undertaken of some aspects of contemporary social policy and consumer culture.

A distinction is made between human relationships as transactions and as gifts. Insights from the theology of gift relationships are offered. The question is raised whether it is appropriate to consider gift relationships as a form of capital and Churches as a form of social capital. Liturgy is considered as a form of liberative praxis.

Type of Work: Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)
Award Type: Doctorates > Ph.D.
Supervisor(s):
Supervisor(s)EmailORCID
Vincent, JohnUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Wright, EricUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Licence:
College/Faculty: Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Arts & Law
School or Department: School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion, Department of Theology and Religion
Funders: None/not applicable
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BV Practical Theology
H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
URI: http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/4058

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