Social capital

Social capital is a concept, the initial condition of which is the importance of social networks that link different people. The concept refers to the collective value of all known communities (organizations) and reciprocity norms, in other words, what is their result - what things people can do for each other. Social unity is of decisive importance for society, its development and economic prosperity.

Social capital is not just the number of institutions that underpin a society, it is the connecting element that keeps them together.

The unification of most definitions of the concept, which can be found in special (economic, political, sociological) literature, is precisely that all specific circumstances focus on social relations that have productive benefits.

Nevertheless, it does not have a clear, indisputable sense for independent and ideological reasons, therefore, own definitions that are accepted by researchers depend on discipline, its intellectual origin, and the level of research. So, some authors consider the term itself, as applicable to economic situations, not fully taking into account its multidimensional, multidisciplinary nature.

According to the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, the social world is an accumulated history. If it is not reduced to a series of intermittent, instantaneous, mechanical equilibria between agents that are treated as interconnected particles, then it is necessary to reintroduce the concept of capital (and with it the accumulation and all its consequences).

Based on the role of economic capital for social positioning, Bourdieu first introduced curious structures and terminology: cultural, social and symbolic capital, the notion "habitus" (a system of strong acquired dispositions), "field" and "social space", "symbolic power" To reveal the dynamics of the correlation of forces in public life.

Social capital, by definition of Bourdieu, is a collection of actual resources that are associated with the possession of a strong network of institutionalized relations of mutual acquaintance (or membership in a group). This provides each participant, with the support of the team, the "right to trust" and credit in various meanings of the word.

The term "social capital" emphasizes not only warm and pleasant relations, but also a huge variety of certain benefits that stem from trust, reciprocity, informative cooperation associated with "social networks".

The concept works through many ways. These are information flows: acquiring information about jobs, candidates applying for positions, exchanging ideas in educational institutions and so on.

Collective actions depend on interconnected chains. One can cite the example of the African-American Church, which actively supported the principles of civil society . Collective actions can also facilitate the establishment of new interrelated groups of people. Solidarity, which helps to modify the "I-mentality" in the "we-mentality", is actively encouraged.

When a group of neighbors unofficially looks after one another, they are ready to help, or when the Hasidim Jews in their community exchange diamonds, while they do not consider it necessary to check every precious stone, this is social capital in action. It can be found in friendly, religious, school, district, club and so on networks. "Where everyone knows you" is one of the most important aspects of the concept.

However, ensuring coordination and cooperation, it can also have an important drawback. This has to do with isolated groups of people who work for opposite purposes (for society), which hinder economic and social development. These groups are well known - corrupt officials, drug dealers, racketeers.