Social Capital: Theories of Social Structure and Action

Author: Nan Lin (USA)
Translator: Zhang Lei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: In Social Capital, Lin emphasizes the importance of achieving goals through social connections and relationships. Social capital, or the resources acquired through social connections and relationships (as opposed to human capital, which refers to the actual resources owned by individuals or organizations), facilitates the achievement of goals for individuals, social groups, organizations, and communities. Within the framework of classical and neoclassical capital theories, the book elaborates on the elements, propositions, and theoretical findings of social capital, introduces research plans and agendas, and provides theoretical explanations for the interactive significance between individual action and social structure (as illustrated in discussions of primary groups, social exchange, organizations, institutional transformation, and digital networks). Lin innovatively proposes and convincingly explains why "who you know" and "what you know" hold significant meaning in life and society.