social capital

[soh-shuhl kap-i-tl]

noun

Sociology.

1. the interpersonal relationships, institutions, and other social assets of a society or group that can be used to gain advantage.

   the impact of social capital on productivity and economic well-being; the ways in which women accumulate social capital.

social capital

noun

1. the network of social connections that exist between people, and their shared values and norms of behaviour, which enable and encourage mutually advantageous social cooperation

Word History and Origins

Origin of social capital¹

First recorded in 1830–35

Example Sentences

This is where India's rich and powerful have hobnobbed for years, building social capital over cigars or squash and brokering business deals during golf sessions.

From BBC

Community impact from lost income, wealth, social capital and other resources and supports?

From Salon

"A future where trusted information strengthens democracy, where every child has a fair start, where creativity fuels growth and social capital, and where no-one is left behind in the digital age."

From BBC

These notions of social capital, social support, social trust, and social connections, more generally, are so much more important than many people expect for their well-being.

From Salon

Seemingly apolitical activities such as the arts, planting community gardens, teaching literacy courses, volunteering at food banks, cleaning up litter, and helping people and animals in need are also a way to create the types of personal relationships, social capital, and networks that will be required for mutual aid, organizing, and other forms of pro-democracy work and collective action in this time of great crisis.

From Salon