Social Capital and Civic Engagement

1. Social Capital and Civic Engagement Introduce social capital What is it How does it matter? How do we measure it? What are the trends Where is it? Issues in rural social capital Introduce social capital What is it How does it affect individuals and communities What are the trends (civic engagement) Issues in rural social capital Followup with communities on tuesday Introduce social capital What is it How does it affect individuals and communities What are the trends (civic engagement) Issues in rural social capital Followup with communities on tuesday

2. Social Capital and the Sociological Imagination Moving beyond individual level explanations to explain: Individual well-being Community well-being Individuals as embedded in social structure

3. Basic terms Social structure: Social network: Social capital: Bridging Bonding Social infrastructure: 4 basic terms that we�ll cover (though we probably won�t get to social infrastructure today) Social structure: Social network: Social capital: Social infrastructure: 4 basic terms that we�ll cover (though we probably won�t get to social infrastructure today) Social structure: Social network: Social capital: Social infrastructure:

4. Social structure from ourtheoretical perspectives the way a society is organized into predictable relationships Roles: parts people play Institutions that reflect these roles Strongly based in functionalist theory: Structure = �the parts� of the social machine Conflict theorists would say: Social structure reproduces existing inequality Interactionists would say: How do we create and recreate this social structure through our interaction and communication about the meaning of symbols Social structure refers to the way a society is organized into predictable relationships Roles: parts people play Institutions Strongly based in functionalist theory: Structure = �the parts� of the social machine (we play our parts well and the machine runs well) Conflict theorists: Social structure reproduces inequality: the relationships are organized in such a way that those in power mostly associate with those in power�difficult for those not in power to break in. Symbolic interaction: the meaning of the roles is negotiated and created through social interaction (we agree on what it means to be a student, a dad, etc). Go too far outside the norm and you get sanctioned, BUT the meaning of these roles CAN change over time or in different situations. Social structure refers to the way a society is organized into predictable relationships Roles: parts people play Institutions Strongly based in functionalist theory: Structure = �the parts� of the social machine (we play our parts well and the machine runs well) Conflict theorists: Social structure reproduces inequality: the relationships are organized in such a way that those in power mostly associate with those in power�difficult for those not in power to break in. Symbolic interaction: the meaning of the roles is negotiated and created through social interaction (we agree on what it means to be a student, a dad, etc). Go too far outside the norm and you get sanctioned, BUT the meaning of these roles CAN change over time or in different situations.

5. Social networks: a series of social relationships that link a person directly to others, and therefore indirectly to still more people. Reveals (and reflects) social structure: how society is structured or organized constraining: obligations and responsibilities empowering: provide opportunities examples How is this different from a culture / subculture? Social networks: a series of social relationships that links a person directly to others, and therefore indirectly to still more people. (can view these as networks) By looking at social networks w ereveals social structure: how society is structured or organized (can �map out� society) are constraining: obligations and responsibilities (or you get tossed from the network) Are empowering: provide opportunities (here is where we�ll talk about social capital) How is this different from a culture / subculture? (these really are people you interact with, usually face to face, which is not one of the assumptions of culture) Social networks: a series of social relationships that links a person directly to others, and therefore indirectly to still more people. (can view these as networks) By looking at social networks w ereveals social structure: how society is structured or organized (can �map out� society) are constraining: obligations and responsibilities (or you get tossed from the network) Are empowering: provide opportunities (here is where we�ll talk about social capital) How is this different from a culture / subculture? (these really are people you interact with, usually face to face, which is not one of the assumptions of culture)

6. Can you identify your social networks? Who is in it? How extensive is it? Does it include people different from yourself (race, ethnicity, education, income)? Multiple social networks? How many social networks are you in? Do your social networks overlap? How are they organized? The way our networks are organized defines social structure. How about YOUR social networks: Who is in it? How extensive is it? Does it include people different from yourself (race, ethnicity, education, income)? turns out the KINDS of people in your social networks may hav important implications for social capital. How many social networks are you in? different ones for different places? Activities? Do your social networks overlap? is it sometimes weird when they do? How about YOUR social networks: Who is in it? How extensive is it? Does it include people different from yourself (race, ethnicity, education, income)? turns out the KINDS of people in your social networks may hav important implications for social capital. How many social networks are you in? different ones for different places? Activities? Do your social networks overlap? is it sometimes weird when they do?

7. A new kind of Capital Definition of Capital? Different types of resources = different types of Capital Natural Capital: raw materials Human Capital: human skills and abilities (individual variables but still linked to larger society). Social Capital: social networks and norms of reciprocity How are these �resources�? How do we draw on them? Capital (from Economics) an economic concept GENERALLY The investment of resources for the production of profit (expect a return on investment) Different types of resources = different types of Capital Natural Capital: raw materials�land, soil quality, mineral wealth Human Capital: human skills and abilities�education but also specialized skills, abilities (being 7 foot tall and coordinated) Social Capital: Networks and norms of reciprocity have REAL VALUE for members (Putnam) this is not just squaishy touchy feely stuff�we are talking about identifiable economic return and also much improved social outcomes. Combined these provide ways to think about the resources and inputs to society and the factors that influence individual, community, organization �success� Capital (from Economics) an economic concept GENERALLY The investment of resources for the production of profit (expect a return on investment) Different types of resources = different types of Capital Natural Capital: raw materials�land, soil quality, mineral wealth Human Capital: human skills and abilities�education but also specialized skills, abilities (being 7 foot tall and coordinated) Social Capital: Networks and norms of reciprocity have REAL VALUE for members (Putnam) this is not just squaishy touchy feely stuff�we are talking about identifiable economic return and also much improved social outcomes. Combined these provide ways to think about the resources and inputs to society and the factors that influence individual, community, organization �success�

8. Social Capital A product of social networks that contain resources that can be used by network members Capital is created in social relations: requires social interactions has constraints and opportunities Includes norms of reciprocity and trust actions and choices Invest in social relations with the expectation of returns on investment Can benefit even without making an investment Facilitates coordination and cooperation of members. Social capital is A product of social networks that contain resources that can be used by network members Capital is captured in social relations has constraints and opportunities (both enabling and limiting) actions and choices (aspects of human behaviors)�things you do, how you act The fundamental idea: Invest in social relations with the expectation of returns on investment (you make an investment and expect to get something back in return). BUT: interestingly, Can benefit even without making an investment (nice deal!) Social capital is A product of social networks that contain resources that can be used by network members Capital is captured in social relations has constraints and opportunities (both enabling and limiting) actions and choices (aspects of human behaviors)�things you do, how you act The fundamental idea: Invest in social relations with the expectation of returns on investment (you make an investment and expect to get something back in return). BUT: interestingly, Can benefit even without making an investment (nice deal!)

9. Origins�theorists Durkheim: Build social solidarity (group identity) through agreements about sacred symbols...strong boundaries. Bourdieu: Resources a group member can draw on, but members must �give back� de Toqueville: Civil society: civic organizations help us work for collective will.

10. Uses of social capital: Two ways of thinking about individual success Human Capital: it�s what you know: achievement reflects human skills and status (coupled with demand) Social Capital: it�s who you know: achievement reflects connections and resources from the social network But sometimes it�s difficult to separate the 2: Social capital can lead to human capital (how) Human capital can lead to social capital (how) The easiest way to keep HC and SC straight in my mind is going back to an old adage�when it comes to suceeding, its not WHAT you know, but WHO you know. Human Capital: it�s what you know: achievement reflects human skills and status (do good because you ARE GOOD�have the appropriate skill set) Social Capital: it�s who you know: achievement reflects connections from the social network�you CAUGHT A BREAK. But sometimes it�s difficult to separate Social capital can lead to human capital (e.g.) get into a good school b/c of family connections, then get good training and develop your HC Human capital can lead to social capital (e.g.) Say you are super smart but come from a poor family but get a full ride to Harvard. Once there you join an exclusive frat and start hanging out with the upper crust muckety-muck�build your social capital by starting with stong HC. In some ways, very similar to achieved and ascribed status. The easiest way to keep HC and SC straight in my mind is going back to an old adage�when it comes to suceeding, its not WHAT you know, but WHO you know. Human Capital: it�s what you know: achievement reflects human skills and status (do good because you ARE GOOD�have the appropriate skill set) Social Capital: it�s who you know: achievement reflects connections from the social network�you CAUGHT A BREAK. But sometimes it�s difficult to separate Social capital can lead to human capital (e.g.) get into a good school b/c of family connections, then get good training and develop your HC Human capital can lead to social capital (e.g.) Say you are super smart but come from a poor family but get a full ride to Harvard. Once there you join an exclusive frat and start hanging out with the upper crust muckety-muck�build your social capital by starting with stong HC. In some ways, very similar to achieved and ascribed status.

11. Issues in social capital Measurement: the individual or the community? Remember the assumption in Capital that people invest because they expect a return: Does this apply to our social relationships too? is it this strategic behavior, or is this just �community� Game theory and free-riding get benefits even if you don�t make your investments? Bridging versus bonding Social capital can include or exclude Bridging: establish new ties Bonding: cement / reinforce existing ties Negative aspects of social capital Assumption that people invest in social networks because they expect a return is controversial: is it this strategic behavior, or is this just �community� (need to separate motivation from effects) Game theory and free-riding get benefits even if you don�t pitch in. Canadian driving�I benefit from courtesey even if I myself am not courteous) Bridging versus bonding Social capital can include or exclude Bridging: establish new ties (weak ties)�often with people who are not little clones of you. This may lead to new opportunities, but not necessarily strong ties (but these weak ties can be important!) Bonding: cement / reinforce existing ties (usually with people that are very much like you, think like you) Assumption that people invest in social networks because they expect a return is controversial: is it this strategic behavior, or is this just �community� (need to separate motivation from effects) Game theory and free-riding get benefits even if you don�t pitch in. Canadian driving�I benefit from courtesey even if I myself am not courteous) Bridging versus bonding Social capital can include or exclude Bridging: establish new ties (weak ties)�often with people who are not little clones of you. This may lead to new opportunities, but not necessarily strong ties (but these weak ties can be important!) Bonding: cement / reinforce existing ties (usually with people that are very much like you, think like you)

12. Ways the term social capital has been used:individual and community well being Individual level Youth school achievement (Coleman) Job search (Granovetter) Community level Civic participation/engagement (Putnam) Community outcomes (Flora and Flora) Usually portrayed as a positive force/ resource, but this isn�t always the case Individual Youth school achievement (Coleman) Job search (Granovetter) Civic participation/engagement (Putnam) Community Civic participation/engagement (Putnam)�both individual and community level Community social capital (Flora and Flora)�we�ll talk about this on tues. Usually portrayed as a positive force/ resource, but this isn�t always the case Individual Youth school achievement (Coleman) Job search (Granovetter) Civic participation/engagement (Putnam) Community Civic participation/engagement (Putnam)�both individual and community level Community social capital (Flora and Flora)�we�ll talk about this on tues. Usually portrayed as a positive force/ resource, but this isn�t always the case

13. Social capital: example benefits of living in a high social capital community Substitution of social capital for financial capital Lowered �transaction costs� through trust = more efficient production = lower social costs Dispute resolution�fewer lawyers??? Personal security Less reliance on formal economy and services for individual/household well being Enhances collective action Psychological security Note that some of these accrue only to the individual, while others are present throughout What are some of the benefits of high social capital (using a community example) Less need to spend $ / time on formal / institutional mechanisms for personal or home security Formal child care Resolving disputes lesson�there are REAL MEASURABLE ECONOMIC costs of having low social capital: when we don�t know and trust each other it costs us time and money. Less reliance on the formal economy an adaptive strategy for those without financial capital Collective action easier to get going. Psychological and physical health benefits that accrue (which well see) personal What are some of the benefits of high social capital (using a community example) Less need to spend $ / time on formal / institutional mechanisms for personal or home security Formal child care Resolving disputes lesson�there are REAL MEASURABLE ECONOMIC costs of having low social capital: when we don�t know and trust each other it costs us time and money. Less reliance on the formal economy an adaptive strategy for those without financial capital Collective action easier to get going. Psychological and physical health benefits that accrue (which well see) personal

14. Why Does Social Capital Work(i.e., in a job search)? Get better information (�in the loop�) Social ties alone may influence decision-makers (who you know carries prestige) Suggests social credentials: access to certain resources Reinforcement: acknowledgement of an individual�s claim to resources So, WHY might high social K produce benefits for the individual�for example, in seeking a job) Get better information (�in the loop�) (in the know�you might have been alerted to the opportunity, or some info about the company that gives you a strategic advantage, makes you stand out from other candidates) Social ties alone may influence decision-makers (who you know carries prestige) If it somehow comes out that your uncle is someone powerful in the community, you might be looked on more favorably because you are associated with someone successful. Suggests social credentials: access to certain resources: say the uncle is not only a prominent comm member, but say he has been a DONOR to the univ�what if his name was peterno? Might the employer also think that hiring you would bring some resources their way? Reinforcement: acknowledgement of an individual�s claim to resources: you have instant legitimation more than someone who might be equally skilled but a real unknown. Questions or other examples? So, WHY might high social K produce benefits for the individual�for example, in seeking a job) Get better information (�in the loop�) (in the know�you might have been alerted to the opportunity, or some info about the company that gives you a strategic advantage, makes you stand out from other candidates) Social ties alone may influence decision-makers (who you know carries prestige) If it somehow comes out that your uncle is someone powerful in the community, you might be looked on more favorably because you are associated with someone successful. Suggests social credentials: access to certain resources: say the uncle is not only a prominent comm member, but say he has been a DONOR to the univ�what if his name was peterno? Might the employer also think that hiring you would bring some resources their way? Reinforcement: acknowledgement of an individual�s claim to resources: you have instant legitimation more than someone who might be equally skilled but a real unknown. Questions or other examples?

15. Bonding: cement / reinforce existing ties with those who are similar �strength of strong ties�: intimacy, interaction, reciprocal obligation, shared norms (or understood differences) These strong ties enhance success Bridging: establish new ties, with people who are potentially not similar Wide, diverse social networks, or �bridging� �networking� may also pay off in individual success Potentially better information Keeping options open Less competition within (not all alike re skills and goals) Bridging versus bonding forms of social capital Assumption that people invest in social networks because they expect a return is controversial: is it this strategic behavior, or is this just �community� (need to separate motivation from effects) Game theory and free-riding get benefits even if you don�t pitch in. Canadian driving�I benefit from courtesey even if I myself am not courteous) Bridging versus bonding Social capital can include or exclude Bridging: establish new ties (weak ties)�often with people who are not little clones of you. This may lead to new opportunities, but not necessarily strong ties (but these weak ties can be important!) Bonding: cement / reinforce existing ties (usually with people that are very much like you, think like you) Assumption that people invest in social networks because they expect a return is controversial: is it this strategic behavior, or is this just �community� (need to separate motivation from effects) Game theory and free-riding get benefits even if you don�t pitch in. Canadian driving�I benefit from courtesey even if I myself am not courteous) Bridging versus bonding Social capital can include or exclude Bridging: establish new ties (weak ties)�often with people who are not little clones of you. This may lead to new opportunities, but not necessarily strong ties (but these weak ties can be important!) Bonding: cement / reinforce existing ties (usually with people that are very much like you, think like you)

16. An example: