Social Capital: An Introduction
Social capital is a concept that has become increasingly popular in the recent years. However, it has been in use for close to a century, dating as early as 1916, mentioned in a book that described how neighbors of a community cooperated and built a school. Currently, no right theory has been accepted collectively to define social capital. However, three central concepts are associated with social capital; resources, the topology of the network and the nature of the relationship. Resources can be defined as tangible or intangible goods that have the utility or power to accomplish a particular goal. The topology of the network is determined by the individual's social links and preferences. Lastly, the nature of the relationship will determine how well the network can impact the resources (Kunitz, 2004).
The Impact of Social Capital on Community Development
Several studies have established the connection between social capital and community development, primarily because it births a bond between families, organizations, and the community resources. Concerning health, social capital has foreseen the achievement of high health status in countries such as India and Sri Lanka (Baum, 1999). Social capital positively impacts a community by increasing its efficiency. It has also been linked to an assuagement of crime in the community and educational success. However, the concept can also be detrimental leading to negative consequences (Schneider, 2004). Some of these drawbacks include limitations on freedom of the individuals and deepening the gap that exists between the rich and poor. Additionally, there is a loss of mobility since there is an exclusion of members who do not belong in the circle of a particular community.
Research on Social Capital
Research was conducted by Families and Social Research Group of the London South Bank University on young people and their relation to social capital and its impact on us (Holland, 2008). This research was carried out by Janet Holland in which she looks into the topic based on political and academic context then also approaches it with a feminist perspective in which she agrees with other women that it has provided insight into effective relationships. However, the shortfall in using social capital theory is that its application in education involves testing only one of its dimensions such as its influence on health. Cherylyyn Bassani intends to incorporate all dimensions in a single test (Deviren 2005). Stratification in the society as an occurrence of social capital is seen with the immigration to America from Europe where the northerners settled in the north and carried their culture with them similar to the southerners. They still experience similar problems as back in their native land and also the inclusion of slaves which fuels the division further.
Alleviating Social Capital
A way of alleviating social capital is by strengthening the linking networks. The Owatonna healthcare sector employed this when it had a significant influx of immigrants from Somalia and Mexico. These new populations were made to generate questions about healthcare, and they were then forwarded to the University of Minnesota which then proceeded to hold dialogues between the populations and the healthcare providers with the aim of developing trust and bringing in the aspect of cultural sensitivity in healthcare service delivery (Foundations of Practice, 2018). Countries with low economies are often seen to have low trust levels and volunteering, and this affects the delivery of health services. This leaves us with the need to find out the impact economic development on social relationships and its general effect on health. For instance, empowering the African American through better education and raising their living standards has a major role in improving their social capital just as it reflected on women's relationships with their family and society when the gender parity policies were implemented.
References
Baum, F. (1999). Social capital: is it good for your health? Issues for a public health agenda. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 53(4), 195.
Deviren, F., " Babb, P. (2005). Young people and social capital. London, Office for National Statistics.
Foundations of Practice: In Community Development. (2018). Srdc.msstate.edu. Retrieved 18 April 2018, from http://srdc.msstate.edu/fop/levelthree/trainarc/socialcapital.html
Holland, J. (2008). Young people and social capital: What can it do for us. London: Families " Social Capital Research Group
Kunitz, S. J. (2004). Social capital and health. British Medical Bulletin, 69(1), 61-73.
Schneider, J. (2004). The role of social capital in building healthy communities. Policy paper produced for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, United States.
Smith, G. D., " Shaw, M. (Eds.). (2004). Cultures of health, cultures of illness. Oxford University Press.
Appendix
Discussion questions
1. What role does social capital play in sports recreation?
2. How can social capital be used in strengthening the tourism industry?
3. In what manner does participation of community affect tourism development?
4. Discuss in what manner does social capital influence festival participation rate?
