|
WHAT IS SOCIAL CAPITAL?
The mission of the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation is to encourage private giving for the public good. In this process, we bring together need and ability to address that need, growth and the ability to assist that growth, community strength and the means to create strength. It is clear that communities need assistance as needs change, and it is our mission to address those changing needs.
Social networks within the larger community have value–that is the central premise of social capital. Social capital refers to the collective value of all the “social networks” (who you know) and the inclinations to do things for one another, both as individuals and as groups. The term social capital emphasizes not just warm feelings but a wide variety of specific benefits that flow from the trust, reciprocity, information and cooperation associated with social networks. It creates value for the people who are connected and for bystanders as well. Social capital works through multiple channels:
- information flow depends on social capital (about places to donate to assist New York and Washington D.C. after the terrorist attacks, about low-income housing opportunities, through neighborhood meetings, etc.);
- mutual aid is dependent on social networks (be it helping after an ice storm, building a Habitat House, volunteering through a hospice unit or fundraising through the PTA);
- collective action depends on social networks (the role of the black church in the civil rights movement, the unions, etc) although collective action can also foster new networks;
- broader identities and solidarity are encouraged by social networks that help translate an “I” focus into a “we” focus.
Two kinds of social capital are referred to in studies and scholarly research. One is Bonding Social Capital. This refers to the connection people feel in relationship with others who have a lot in common. An example of this is the tight knit support felt between groups of a cancer support network or those who support a youth sports team. The other is Bridging Social Capital. This is the connection felt between people of different racial, ethnic, age, income groups. An example of this would be people of all ages and economic backgrounds working together on a Habitat construction project or people of all races attending a Juneteenth celebration. Bonding social activities are very common, are necessary, and certainly build common interests, support, and productive activities. Bridging social activities knock down walls that divide people, ridding us of stereotypes, prejudices, and fear of the unknown.
Communities that have strong social connections between and among groups of people tend to have better schools, safer streets, and better neighborhoods. It is something to be actively sought after and encouraged.
|
