Social Capital and Social Connections

Small, Consistent Efforts Bring Big Results

Image courtesy of Stock Snap at Pixabay

I was fascinated by this year’s RSA Patron’s Lecture, Why Social Capital Matters, and have been thinking about it ever since. The main speaker, Professor Robert Puttnam, has popularized the concept of social capital. It refers to the networks, norms, and trust that enable individuals and groups to work together effectively for mutual benefit.

Understanding Social Capital

In his seminal work, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community (2000), Putnam argues that social capital is essential for the health of democratic societies and the well-being of individuals. He highlights how declining participation in civic organizations, religious groups, and informal social activities, like bowling leagues, has eroded the social fabric of modern America. And while Putnam’s analysis often focuses on national trends, his insights can be powerfully applied to local communities, where social connections are most tangible and actionable. By fostering trust, encouraging civic engagement, and creating spaces for interaction, local communities can rebuild social capital and strengthen the bonds that sustain them.

He distinguishes between two types of social capital: bonding and bridging. Bonding social capital refers to the strong ties within homogeneous groups, such as families or close-knit neighbourhoods, which provide emotional support and solidarity. Bridging social capital, on the other hand, connects diverse groups, across race, class, or ideology, fostering broader cooperation and understanding. For local communities, both forms are vital. A neighbourhood might rely on bonding capital to rally around a shared goal, like organizing a street party, while bridging capital could unite residents from different backgrounds to address a common issue, such as improving local schools.

Putnam’s research suggests that communities with high social capital enjoy lower crime rates, better health outcomes, and more resilient economies, making it a good investment for communities.

A Decline in Trust and Connection

However, Putnam’s work also sounds a warning: social capital has been declining due to factors like suburban sprawl, the rise of technology, and the privatization of leisure time. Television, and now smartphones and social media, have replaced face-to-face interaction with solitary or superficial engagement.