Ch. 7
Social capital is defined as aspects of social structure that enable participants to act together to
effectively pursue shared objectives. Coleman suggests that social capital builds
trustworthiness, opens informational channels, and establishes norms and effective sanctions.
Bonding capital brings people together who already know each other and provides deeper
relationships. Bridging capital brings people together who do not know each other and creates
new relationships.
Survey evidence also suggests that people are becoming more socially isolated and have small
networks. There are countertrends, however. Involvement in advocacy groups, nonprofit
organizations, and support groups is increasing.
There are several possible factors contributing to the loss of social capital: time pressures,
residential mobility, female labor force participation, the welfare state, 1960s culture,
television, and suburbanization. Putnam argues that the major factor has been generational
change. The generation that came of age during WWII was much more involved in social
organizations. Television also has a major effect because of time displacement, the passivity
involved in watching TV, and it lowers school achievement.
Research on social capital suggests that most people talk to friends and family when searching
for jobs. Poor people are more likely to use these networks. Most successful job searches
come through networks, especially for the poor.
Successful job ties—1/3 from the neighborhood and 2/3 with the firm that hires them.
Discussion Questions
Ch. 7
1. Assume you were applying for a job and you knew someone who was employed in the firm.
Would you contact that person to advocate on your behalf? Do you think it would be fair if you
2. Do you ever use your networks to solicit help for a social cause or charity? If yes, how
effective has this been? If not, why not?
3. Think about someone you know who has a large network of friends and support. Why do you
think they have such a large network? Do they intentionally try to build their network? How do
they do it?
4. Think about your network of friends. How important is it to your friends that your network
includes individuals who have similar values, political attitudes, or social backgrounds?