Chapter Five: Social Capital and Collective Actions

Chapter Five: Social Capital and Collective Actions

• Social capital refers to networks, relationships, and resources available within a social structure, encompassing social connections, trust, reciprocity, and cooperation norms. It facilitates mutual benefit within a community or society.

• Social capital epitomizes the quality and quantity of relationships and social interactions within a particular community or society.

• Social capital functions as the glue that holds a community together. It's essential to members achieving shared goals.

• Key concepts related to social capital include social networks, trust, reciprocity, social cohesion, and collective action.

  • Social networks are relationships and connections ranging from family and close friends to acquaintances and professional contacts.
  • Trust involves confidence and belief in the integrity, reliability, and intentions of others within a social network.
  • Reciprocity centers around the mutual exchange of benefits and support within a social network.
  • Social cohesion signifies the interconnectedness, solidarity, and sense of belonging within a community, quantifying how well individuals and groups come together, support each other, and share common goals and values.

• Collective action refers to voluntary participation of individuals to achieve shared concerns within the community, involving collaboration, coordination, and cooperation. Social capital contributes to facilitating this cooperation.

• Civic engagement denotes the active involvement in community affairs, including voting, volunteering, participation in community organizations or initiatives. Social capital plays a crucial role in promoting civic engagement by providing the necessary network, trust, and support for collective actions.

• Understanding social capital aids individuals and communities in better supporting one another, fostering collective action and overall wellbeing. This leads to stronger relationships and collaborations, facilitating resource sharing and fostering social, economic, and political development within communities.

Main Types of Social Capital

• There are three main types of social capital: bonding, bridging, and linking.
  • Bonding social capital refers to connections and relationships among individuals who share similar identity, background, or interests. It's characterized by strong ties within a homogenous group and fosters a sense of belonging, solidarity, and support within the group. (e.g., close-knit friend groups, families).
  • Bridging social capital refers to connections and relationships among individuals who are diverse in their backgrounds, identities, or interests. It involves interactions across different social groups, fostering diversity, inclusivity, and the exchange of different perspectives and resources. (e.g., community centers bringing together people from different neighborhoods).
  • Linking social capital refers to connections and relationships between individuals or groups with varying levels of power or social status. This involves connections between individuals in positions of authority or influence and those with fewer resources. (e.g., mentors supporting mentees).

Structural versus Cognitive Social Capital

• Structural social capital focuses on the tangible and observable aspects of a social network, emphasizing the pattern and arrangement of social relationships (size, density, and diversity of connection). It's measured through indicators such as the number of social ties, interaction frequency, and trust levels. It encompasses external resources and opportunities made available through social connections.

• Cognitive social capital refers to shared values, norms, and beliefs that contribute to social cohesion and collective action within a group or community. It highlights shared understandings, trust, reciprocity, and internal resources and capacities fostered through social connections. It is measured by trust levels, shared norms and values, and a sense of collective identity.

• Structural and cognitive social capital are interconnected and influence each other. A strong level of structural social capital can provide a foundation for the development of cognitive social capital, facilitating interaction and enabling trust building. Cognitive social capital, in turn, can further shape the patterns and dynamics of structural social capital.

Embeddedness versus Autonomy of Social Capital

• Embeddedness of social capital refers to the extent to which social capital is deeply integrated within a social network or community. Key elements include strong ties, close relationships, and high levels of interdependency. Embedded social capital offers strong support systems, fostering solidarity, trust, and cooperation. However, it can potentially limit access to resources and opportunities outside the network.

• Autonomy of social capital refers to the independence and agency individuals or groups have within their social networks. It stresses weak ties, diverse relationships, and a high level of independence and self-reliance; enabling access to a wider range of information, resources, and opportunities. However, a high level of autonomy can potentially lead to weaker social ties and less cohesive communities.

Theories of Collective Action

• Social identity theory argues that collective action is influenced by group identities and the desire for positive social identity. When individuals strongly identify with a group and perceive threats or injustices affecting that group, they are more likely to participate in collective action. (e.g., workers facing unsafe conditions unite to form a union).

• Resource mobilization theory highlights the importance of resources (e.g. money, skills, networks, organizational capacity) in driving collective action effectively. Collective action requires mobilization and allocation of resources; effective leadership, communication, and ongoing mobilization efforts are crucial to keeping the collective action alive. (e.g., community organizing a fundraising campaign to build a park).

• Political process theory emphasizes that collective action is influenced by political opportunities, such as policy changes, shifts in power dynamics, and social movements. Favorable contexts increase the likelihood of such action. (e.g., civil rights movement motivated by a shifting public sentiment).

Understanding the Role of Social Capital in Collective Action

• Social capital plays a crucial role by facilitating cooperation, collaboration, and providing access to resources like expertise, finance, networks, and information, thereby enhancing the capabilities of individuals or groups to pursue shared collective goals.
• It amplifies collective voice, enabling individuals or groups to effectively advocate for changes, influence decision-making, and ultimately, create positive change within a community.

Explore the essential concepts of social capital in this quiz, focusing on its role in collective actions and community building. Understand how relationships, trust, and reciprocity form the foundation of social networks that facilitate mutual benefit. This quiz covers key ideas that help in achieving shared goals within a community.