Contribution from Alan Brown (2003)

Introduction

There has been a lot written in the last ten years recently on social networks, especially as these are a core element of social capital – a concept that has been popularised by Robert Putnam. John Field (2003) provides a very helpful introduction to the literature on social networks in his book on social capital, where he examines empirical findings on the role of social capital networks in education, economic well-being, health, and crime. (The following link gives a review of this book by Robert Judge of the Canadian Policy Research Initiative.  This book review is just one item in a whole issue of Horizons which is devoted to Social Capital). 

Social Capital: connections and relationships

For Putnam (2000), 'social capital refers to connections among individuals – social networks and the norms and reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them' (p.19). Reciprocity and trust are therefore seen as central to social networks. As well as the value of bridging or inclusive social capital, there can be a dark side to networks and Putnam (2000) refers to exclusive bonding social capital that can reinforce exclusive identities and homogenous groups. Therefore it may be that, in some circumstances, as Granovetter (1973) has noted weak ties that link individuals to more distant contacts can be of more value than strong ties.

Johnson (2003) looks at social capital formation in terms of individual actions to create or sever network links. Relationships can be both beneficial and costly, as being connected may benefit an individual, yet maintaining relationships has a cost. As a consequence, individuals limit the number of their active relationships. As network links are formed and maintained individuals begin to accumulate social capital.

Social network analysis

For those interested in these ideas for research purposes it is possible to use ‘social network analysis.’ This is an approach that focuses on investigating the relationships among individuals and groups, where social reality is conceptualised in terms of networks of social relationships occupying a wider social space. Social network analysis focuses upon information and communication flows and the role of information 'brokers.' Communication may move more quickly through established relationships, and information will circulate within a network before it moves from one network to another (Burt, 2000).

References

• Burt, R. S. (2000) 'The Network Structure of Social Capital.' In R. Sutton and B. Staw (eds) Research in Organizational Behaviour, Greenwich, CT: JAI Press.
• Field, J. (2003) Social Capital, London: Routledge. 
• Granovetter, M.S. (1973) 'The Strength of Weak Ties.' American Journal of Sociology 78: 1360-1380.
• Johnson, C. (2003) A Model Of Social Capital Formation. SRDC Working Paper Series 03-01. Ottawa: Social Research and Demonstration Corporation.
• Putnam, R. (2000) Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. New York: Simon & Schuster.