Social capital: an integraded view

Abstract

In recent years, social capital has been conceptualized in many different forms, depending on the related phenomena which are under study. The assumptions, and the theoretical and empirical trends absorbed by this conceptual plurality are non-rarely so dissimilar that some scholars even question the validity, the efficacy and the very existence of social capital. In this theoretical paper, we aim to lay the groundwork for a more robust and reality-adherent concept for social capital; a concept that mutually embraces the role of individuals, their social networks and institutions existent in a given socio-economic field. Through this work we try to directly contribute with the literature focused on this thematic and, indirectly, with all other social and economic phenomena that somehow relates to social capital. Thus, based on a robust literature review, we develop in this paper a conceptual attempt for social capital that is more comprehensive and sensitive to all the three social structural forces and their multiple relations: social capital is the goodwill engendered by the mutual interrelation of the three social structural forces (individuals, networks and institutions) which can be used by them to facilitate their action. Its sources lie in the social and institutional relationships of the many individual or collective, social or institutional actors located in the various levels of a given field. And its effects influence the information flows, and the solidarity and influence potential of these same actors.