AI reviewed · sources pending. Book associations have not been verified.

Social capital

Concept

Networks and associated trust and reciprocity can help people act together.

Explanation or usage

Social relationships can make information, coordination and mutual assistance available in ways isolated individuals lack. These capacities can benefit participants and others, but networks can also support exclusion or harmful activity. The term refers to relationships and their effects, not simply to an individual's wealth or friendliness.

Common misunderstandings

All social networks necessarily produce public benefits.

In Bowling Alone

General context reviewed · book attribution and sources pending

Related topic: civic relationships can support capacities for collective action.

Linked books

Practice this item

Why does strong social connection not guarantee a beneficial public outcome? In Putnam's framework, what does social capital most directly concern?