Social capital is the network of relationships between individuals, groups, and entities that can provide advantages and benefits. It can take many forms, such as connections between people who attended the same university or live in the same neighborhood. The concept can be used to achieve various ends, such as finding a dentist or getting a job. While some researchers believe social capital is beneficial, others suggest it can be harmful.
Social capital is the network of relationships between individuals, groups and entities. This term is used in a number of different ways in fields such as economics, sociology, and anthropology. In all cases, the use of this concept boils down to the idea that people create connections with each other, and those connections are used in various ways. Studying this topic can be a way to learn how a society works.
In a classic example of social capital, people who attend the same university tend to feel connected to each other, both because they may have interacted on campus and created friendships, or because they have an institution in common with each other. Two graduates from the same university are more likely to connect with each other because they share social capital, and this can translate to advantages for one or both parties.
Social capital can take many other forms. Residents of the same neighborhood, people who work for the same company, and groups of friends have networks of relationships. In addition to being personally and psychologically rewarding, these connections can also confer additional benefits. People in the same network will be more inclined to depend on each other when they need services, and if an individual lacks a connection to a particular service, he or she can find one by exploiting social capital.
Many people use social capital on a daily basis, in various ways, such as a person who has a toothache and asks a friend to recommend a dentist. Similarly, a job seeker who asks a friend to say something nice is also using her network of connections to achieve an end. This concept can even be formalized in some interactions, such as the letters of recommendation students request from instructors when applying to higher education institutions.
Theories on social capital began to be developed in the 20th century by several different researchers. Some researchers believe that a social network is beneficial, because it creates a strong set of connections that can be used to support people and efforts. Others suggest that it can be harmful, because it can establish situations in which negative activities are accepted and carried out as a result of social capital. For example, many genocides are spread through social media, starting as small fringe movements that eventually grow into large events as people and institutions spread the word to each other.
Smart Asset.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
