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Social Capital
Article

Social Capital

Why We Need It and How We Can Create More



Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Applicable
  • Overview

Recommendation

“Social capital” is the societal good will that accumulates among people within communities. It’s often built on family, school and faith-based associations. When social trust erodes, so does people’s faith in democracy. Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Isabel V. Sawhill explores social capital, where it exists and how it sometimes goes wrong. She does not view social capital as a good unto itself, but recognizes it as a powerful force when paired with inclusive, ethical governance. Sawhill offers policy solutions for rebuilding community trust and trust in government.

Take-Aways

  • “Social capital” – social norms and trust – creates social coherence, which is essential to democracy.
  • People are innately tribal. Sometimes groups are inclusive, sometimes exclusive.
  • A Joint Economic Committee (JEC) study found varying levels of social capital in different regions of the United States.

About the Author

Isabel V. Sawhill works as a Brookings Institution senior fellow at the Center on Children and Families and the Future of the Middle Class Initiative.


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