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AbstractThis article presents analyses of individual investment in social capital using both the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) and the UK Time Use Survey (2000) (UKTUS). We suggest a general theoretical framework that could possibly explain individual investment in various forms of social networking. Measures of social capital are then constructed in an attempt to capture the extent of individual investment in bonding, bridging, and linking networks. These measures, together with other socioeconomic indicators, are used as explanatory factors in wage equations, estimated using ordered probit, OLS, and instrumental variable approaches. We are unable to identify any consistent returns from investment in bonding and bridging networks. In contrast, the evidence suggests that any returns to investment in the development of linking social capital simply derive from the positive signals that group membership may transmit to potential employers. Our results underline the contrast between studies that consider social capital as an attribute of communities, as opposed to individuals, in that we find a negative return to social activity at the level of the individual.

Eleven micro-level data sources measuring various economic indicators for Scottish households are reviewed to determine their import for Scottish policy studies. After identifying the respective surveys, eg, the British Household Panel Survey, the Family Resources Survey, & the Scottish Household Survey, it is contended that the surveys measuring economic indicators for British households are problematic since they generally possess small samples of Scottish households. In addition, it is stressed that some of the "Scottish only household" surveys are plagued by problems concerning a lack of national representation & an inability to compare the compatibility of such data with figures representative of the entire UK. Nevertheless, several benefits of such research are noted including increased coverage of minority households & the inclusion of both physical & social surveys of households. Information regarding how individuals can access the respective micro-level data sources is also provided. 2 Tables, 5 References. J. W. Parker

Changing Scotland uses longitudinal data from the British Household Panel Survey to improve our knowledge and understanding of the impact of devolution on the lives of people in Scotland. It is the first time that BHPS data has been used in this way. The book provides a detailed examination of social, economic, demographic and political differences, especially those involving dynamic behaviour such as residential mobility, unemployment duration, job mobility, income inequality, poverty, health and deprivation, national identity, family structure and other aspects of individual's lives as they change over time. This data provides a 'baseline' for policy formulation and for analysing the impact of subsequent differential developments arising out of devolution. The book is also an invaluable resource for establishing pre-existing differences between England and Scotland and evaluating the impact of policy initiatives by the Scottish Executive