David Piachaud

Published September 2002

Types of capital which determine the ability of individuals, of communities and of nations to avoid poverty and social exclusion are analysed. This analysis draws on changing explanations of economic growth and the recent literature on social capital. Five forms of capital are distinguished ? financial capital, physical capital, human capital, public infrastructure and social capital ? and their inter-relationships are discussed. The theoretical and policy implications of the different forms of capital are considered.