Social Capital

Definition

Social capital refers to the networks, relationships, and resources that individuals and communities can access and leverage to achieve their goals. It encompasses the social connections, trust, and norms of reciprocity that enable collective action and mutual benefit.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social capital is a key factor in understanding social stratification, as it can help or hinder social mobility within a society.
2. Individuals and communities with higher levels of social capital tend to have better access to job opportunities, information, and support networks, which can lead to greater economic and social success.
3. The unequal distribution of social capital can contribute to the perpetuation of social inequalities, as those with fewer social resources may have fewer opportunities for advancement.
4. Theoretical perspectives on social stratification, such as conflict theory and functionalist theory, often incorporate the concept of social capital to explain the dynamics of social inequality.
5. On a global scale, the distribution of social capital can contribute to the persistence of wealth and poverty, as individuals and communities with strong social networks may have greater access to resources and opportunities.

Review Questions

• Explain how social capital relates to social stratification and mobility in the United States.
  • Social capital plays a crucial role in social stratification and mobility in the United States. Individuals and communities with higher levels of social capital, such as strong social connections, access to information and resources, and a sense of trust and reciprocity, tend to have greater opportunities for social and economic advancement. Conversely, those with lower levels of social capital may face more barriers to social mobility, as they have fewer connections and resources to draw upon. The unequal distribution of social capital can contribute to the perpetuation of social inequalities, as those with fewer social resources may have fewer opportunities for upward mobility.
• Analyze how theoretical perspectives on social stratification, such as conflict theory and functionalist theory, incorporate the concept of social capital.
  • Conflict theory suggests that social stratification is the result of unequal power relationships and the competition for scarce resources. In this context, social capital can be seen as a form of capital that individuals and groups use to maintain or improve their position in the social hierarchy. Functionalist theory, on the other hand, views social stratification as a necessary and functional aspect of society, with social capital playing a role in the efficient allocation of resources and the maintenance of social order. Both theoretical perspectives recognize the importance of social capital in understanding the dynamics of social inequality and the processes of social stratification and mobility.
• Evaluate the role of social capital in contributing to global wealth and poverty, and how it relates to social change.
  • The distribution of social capital on a global scale can contribute to the persistence of wealth and poverty. Individuals and communities with strong social networks and access to resources may have greater opportunities for economic and social advancement, while those with fewer social connections and resources may face more barriers to improving their circumstances. This unequal distribution of social capital can lead to the perpetuation of global inequalities. At the same time, social capital can also be a driver of social change, as strong social networks and a sense of trust and reciprocity can enable collective action and the mobilization of resources to address social and economic challenges. The relationship between social capital and global wealth and poverty, as well as its role in facilitating social change, highlights the importance of this concept in understanding the complexities of social stratification and development on a global scale.

Related terms

Bonding Social Capital: The strong ties and connections within a homogeneous group, such as family, close friends, or members of the same ethnic or religious community.

Bridging Social Capital: The weak ties and connections that span different social groups, allowing for the exchange of information and resources across diverse networks.

Structural Holes: Gaps in the social network that provide opportunities for individuals to broker connections and gain access to new information and resources.