Maria Soares
Social Capital: This term describes a person’s participation or position within a particular social group, which contributes to their lives in certain ways.
Social Capital in the context of community psychology refers to the resources, relationships, and networks within a community that can help individuals and groups thrive. It is all about the connections and support that people have with each other. It can include things like trust, social norms, and community engagement. It is important to build strong and resilient communities.
The term “social capital” was coined by sociologist Pierre Bourdieu in the 1980s. He used the term to describe the value and importance of social relationships and networks in society. It is a concept further developed and popularized by other sociologists, such as Robert Putnam in the 1990s.
Evolution of the concept of social capital
The concept of social capital has evolved over time as researchers and scholars have further explored its dimensions and applications. While sociologist Pierre Bourdieu first introduced the term in the 1980s, it was sociologist Robert Putnam who popularized it in the 1990s with his book “Bowling Alone.” Putnam emphasized the decline of social connections in American society and highlighted the importance of social capital in fostering community well-being.
Since then, the concept has been expanded and refined by various scholars in different fields, including economics, political science, and community psychology. Researchers have explored different forms of social capital, such as bonding (within a specific group), bridging (across diverse groups), and linking (between different social hierarchies). They have also examined how social capital influences various outcomes, such as health, education, and economic development.
Overall, the evolution of the concept of social capital reflects a growing recognition of the significance of social relationships, networks, and trust in shaping individual and community outcomes. It continues to be a major study area in understanding the dynamics of social interactions and community well-being.
Example: Here is an example of social capital in action: Let us say there is a tight-knit neighborhood where everyone knows and looks out for each other. One day, a family in the neighborhood faces a sudden financial crisis and struggles to make ends meet. Thanks to the social connections and trust built within the community, their neighbors come together to offer support. Some provide temporary job opportunities, others organize a food drive, and some even offer financial assistance. This collective effort and support demonstrate the power of social capital in action, where the community’s connections and resources are mobilized to help those in need. It is all about people coming together and making a positive impact!
Reference
https://study.com/learn/lesson/social-capital-overview-theory.html#:~:text=Social%20capital%20is%20a%20term,they%20bond%20more%20over%20commonalities.
https://www.socialcapitalresearch.com/evolution-of-the-concept-of-social-capital/amp/
