Explain the meaning of social capital.

Answer

Social Capital

Community relationships have existed since time-immemorial. Human beings are generally regarded as social beings since they rely on each other for subsistence and success. The significance of community relationships has been recognized by numerous scholars including Dale Carnegie who through one of the most purchased books in the world "How to Win Friends and influence People" enumerates on the significance of winning friends. He indicates that a mastery of this quality has been so beneficial for many influential figures all over the world and it has fundamentally led to the receipt of monetary profits. The significance of community relationships in the acquisition of profits among other resources has come to be described using the term "social capital." This discussion will delve into an analysis of the meaning of social capital.

As alluded to above, in order to provide an explanation for the meaning of social capital, it is important to first and foremost describe the general nature of 'social capital.' Social capital is said to occur when distinctive individuals come together to form community relationships (Tuten, 2017). This coming together may arise by default or by design. The former arises when circumstances beyond the control of the parties cause them to come together thus necessitating the formation of a community relationship, while the latter arises when the said parties deliberately choose to come together while being cognizant of the need to create a safety net. There are instances when the two situations overlap. Overally, the fundamental feature underlying the existence of social capital emanates from the creation of community relationships.

Another intrinsic feature that can be used to provide an explanation for the meaning of human capital emanates from the fact that individuals are able to enjoy various resources as a result of the community relationships that they have formed. It is particularly important to note that the said resources are referred to as "social capital" (Tuten, 2017).  Some of the resources that an individual or a group can enjoy by virtue of the community relationships that they have formed include; useful information, employment connections, monetary benefits, and the like (Tuten, 2017). There are many instances when people get high paying jobs, exclusive vacations, of expensive gifts during their birthdays. During such times, the specific benefit enjoyed is as a result of the social capital that the individual owns. When reference is made to the foregoing, it is apparent that social capital is akin to monetary capital and just like monetary capital, individuals can get beneficial enjoyment from the social capital that they have. The meaning of social capital can, therefore, be derived from the fact that social capital is a resource.

The existence of community relationships is as lengthy as the existence of the human race. There are many instances when individuals have relied on each other so that they can not only survive, but also thrive. The significance of community relationships has been apparent since time-immemorial. In this regard, the meaning of social capital can be derived from the characteristic coming together of various individuals or groups. Its meaning can also be derived from the resources that are gained by the subject matter individuals or groups.