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An Introduction to Social Capital

The Center for Social Capital


www.centerforsocialcapital.org

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Intro to Social Capital

Robert Putnam defines Social Capital as the social networks and the norms of trustworthiness and reciprocity that arise from them.

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Intro to Social Capital

Social Capital Focuses on:


Who knows Whom (Social Networks) The Character of these Networks The Strength of our Ties Levels of Trust Levels of Reciprocity

Knack, S. (2001); Sander & Lowney, (2006)

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Intro to Social Capital

Social Networks Matter:


Thick Trust: where trust extends only to known friends & associates Thin Trust: where trust extends to include total strangers

Knack, S. (2001); Sander & Lowney, (2006)

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Intro to Social Capital

Trust Growing Elements:


Repeated exposure & shared spaces Honesty in Communications Follow-Through on Commitments Consistency in Behavior

Knack, S. (2001); Sander & Lowney, (2006); Griffin-Hammis Associates

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Types of Social Capital:


Public-Regard: we are tied to formal groups (City Council; PTA; People First; Kiwanis) Private Regard: we are tied to informal groups (Church; Softball team; Neighborhood Watch) Formal vs. Informal (Bylaws & Committees vs. Social/Interest/Hobby relationships)
Sander & Lowney; Griffin-Hammis Associates

Intro to Social Capital

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Types of Social Capital:


Bridging: Social ties that attempt to cut across differences including Race, Gender, Disability, Class, Religion Bonding: Links people together like themselves (special interest groups, neighborhood associations, hobby clubs)

Intro to Social Capital

Sander & Lowney; Griffin-Hammis Associates

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Intensity of Social Capital:


Strong: Someone with whom you might share intimate or serious issues Weak: More episodic and casual Example: You share stronger ties with your doctor and weaker ties with volunteers cooking at the pancake breakfast

Intro to Social Capital

Sander & Lowney; Griffin-Hammis Associates

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Intro to Social Capital

Bridging & Bonding

Public & Private Regard

Strong & Weak Ties


Formal & Informal

Thick & Thin Trust

Sander & Lowney; Griffin-Hammis Associates

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Intensity of Social Capital:


Stronger ties are useful for creating social support and sustained efforts; Weaker ties are more useful for networking and job searches

Intro to Social Capital

Wuthnow, 1998; Sander & Lowney; GriffinHammis Associates

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Goal of Social Capital:


Raising Social Capital to improve ones standing in a community (e.g. using bridging capital to increase awareness of disability access issues in a community) Targeted at Specific Problem-Solving (e.g. using bonding capital to connect a job seeker with someone with similar career goals)

Intro to Social Capital

Sander & Lowney; Griffin-Hammis Associates

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Getting Others Interested & Involved :


Appeal to peoples motivations (shared personal & professional interests and selfinterest, hobbies, affiliation needs) Avoid yet another meeting or committee approach Appeal to their civic pride Make the task appear reasonable

Intro to Social Capital

Griffin-Hammis Associates; McKnight

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Getting Others Interested & Involved :


Very Small Group or One-to-One Start-up conversations and recruitment Set a clear outcome Satisfy peoples motivators

Intro to Social Capital

Griffin-Hammis Associates; McKnight

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Disability Issues:
Employment Health Improvement Home Ownership Isolation Asset Accumulation Transportation.

Intro to Social Capital

Griffin-Hammis Associates; McKnight

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Systemic & Organizational Issues:


Changing Outdated policy and practice Turnover Funding Disconnected Personnel.

Intro to Social Capital

Griffin-Hammis Associates; McKnight

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Project Ideas:
Establish a Microloan Fund Establish Car Pools Peer-Mentored After School & Summer Jobs/Businesses Address Stereotyping by local media Address local restaurant Barriers Connect People to Specific Social Activities as Individuals.
Griffin-Hammis Associates; McKnight

Intro to Social Capital

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