A look at endogenous development through tourism: aspects of social capital in Encantos Rurais tourist route of Quilombo-SC.

Abstract

The characteristics of social capital influence the production process of an location and, therefore, its development. The aim of this article is to identify aspects of the material and immaterial social capital available on the Encantos Rurais Tourist Route in Quilombo-SC, from four members perspective. Thus, a questionnaire was applied, whose first block of questions covered aspects of material social capital, defined from the survey suggested by Boullón (2002), assessing the existence or not of infrastructure elements. The second block of questions included the recognition of notions of social relations estimated through a gradation: "there is no", "there is little" and "it is evident". The answers were grouped, and their results were plotted. Through the analyzes, it was possible to identify weaknesses related, among others, around road paving and public services, collection of recyclable waste and basic sanitation. Further than a precariousness of available telephone services. On the other hand, aspects of support structures, home electrical services and contracting for exclusive transport are favorable. Internet access and signage are medium structure. The notions of trust, cooperation, entrepreneurship and pride in being part of the route were considered evident by all respondents.