Social Capital Analysis

Just as any other term there are many different ways that social capital can be defined. Social capital is solely about the relation between individuals and entities and how they can be economically valuable. Social capital incorporates social networks in its process. Social networks are made up of people who trust one another. They also help each other, giving them power through the assets they gain. Economic growth depends on the presence of economic, capital, social capital, which all enhance it. There are many different social sciences that interpret social capital differently. Some other social sciences place emphasis on other components of social capital but they all have one thing in common. They all are in accordance when it comes …show more content…
There has been a decline in social capital for a while now, roughly about twenty-five years. In the 1990s there are records that the participation in conventional voluntary associations has increased from 25% to 50% in amount of members not participating (Putnam, 1995). The more individuals stray away from participating in these organizations the less chance of civic engagement. Civic engagement is needed in order for social capital to expand and progress. Some of the organizations that contributing to social capital were labor unions, PTA, the Red Cross, Elks Club, bowling leagues, and the League of Women Voters (Putnam, 1995). There are less and les people currently investing their time in organizations similar to this presently. The Putnam article also speaks a lot about how the changing role of women had an impact on the decrease of social capital. When explained it is apparent that we presently do not have social capital alive and well in America. Although this is not the only reason it is one of the most significant. Women are a major contribution to attending PTA meetings, church workshops, neighborhood events, visits to friends, and family (Putnam, 1995). All of the time they put into these organizations was unspoken about and not compensated for. These women were not in the workforce; they were strictly mothers and housewives. When the women finally entered the workforce social capital took a large decline like never before. Not to say women were the only contributors; they were the individuals with the greater impact. Like stated before in order to improve America’s current social capital state we must educate ourselves in areas we are lacking. Recognize the issue and strategize techniques to solve the