Social Status Perception and Individual Social Capital: Evidence from the US

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Bucciol ◽  
Simona Cicognani ◽  
Luca Zarri
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Status ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Neighborhood Cohesion ◽  
Individual Social Capital ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Us ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Negative Support

Abstract This paper provides evidence that individual social capital contributes to our understanding of where individuals locate themselves in the social ladder, also when their objective location within society (measured in terms of income, wealth, education and job) is considered. Using large-scale longitudinal data from the US Health and Retirement Study, we assess individual social capital by means of a multidimensional approach and consider (number, intensity and quality of) respondents’ friendships, prosocial behavior, social engagement and neighborhood cohesion. Our findings indicate that individual social capital plays a role in affecting subjective status, as self-perceived status correlates positively with neighborhood cohesion and negatively with negative support from friends, after controlling for objectively measured social status.

The level of individual social capital and social activity among librarians and managerial personnel

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 132-148
Author(s):  
Maja Dorota Wojciechowska
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Social Capital ◽  
The Social ◽  
The World ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
The One

PurposeThe purpose of this paper i to determine which group – the managerial personnel or the directors of libraries – had a more extensive social network and were more eager to engage in cooperation, in other words – had the qualities believed to be important in managerial positions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the results of research on the levels of individual social capital, as well as the social activity among librarians in 20 countries across the world, which are important for integration with the local community and development of library services.FindingsThe research confirmed that library directors are more active than managerial personnel or line workers, although there were areas in which line workers and managers scored higher than directors. In some areas of civic activity, line workers and managers, rather than directors, led the way.Research limitations/implicationsThis is the first research into the social capital and social activity of the managerial personnel of libraries conducted on such a large scale – in 20 countries across the world. The electronic survey resulted in the total of 6,593 valid responses, which were analysed statistically. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistics were calculated, and the chi-square test of independence and the Mann–Whitney U test were applied. The level of individual social capital was calculated on the basis of a resource generator – Questionnaire for the Measurement of Individual Social Capital (KPIKS).Originality/valueThis is the first research into the social capital and social activity of the managerial personnel of libraries conducted on such a large scale – in 20 countries across the world. The electronic survey resulted in the total of 6,593 valid responses, which were analysed statistically. The one-way ANOVA statistics were calculated, and the chi-square test of independence and the Mann–Whitney U test were applied. The level of individual social capital was calculated on the basis of a resource generator – Questionnaire for the Measurement of Individual Social Capital (KPIKS).

scholarly journals COVID-19 Lockdown and Social Capital Changes Among Youths in China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miyang Luo ◽  
Dong Zhang ◽  
Pengyue Shen ◽  
Yun Yin ◽  
Shujuan Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Vocational School ◽  
Educational Levels ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Family Social Capital ◽  
Individual Social Capital ◽  
The Social ◽  
Health Related

Social capital refers to the effective functioning of social groups through networks of relationships. The lockdown measures due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may change the social capital among youths. This study aimed to evaluate changes in social capital before and during COVID-19 lockdown among Chinese youths. It was based on the online COVID-19 Impact on Lifestyle Change Survey (COINLICS) conducted among 10 540 youths at three educational levels, including high/vocational school, undergraduate, and graduate, before and during COVID-19 lockdown. Measures of perceptions of social capital were adapted from a validated Chinese version of Health-related Social Capital Measurement based on youths’ characteristics of living and studying environment. Social capital was measured at four dimensions, including individual social capital (ISC), family social capital (FSC), community social capital (CSC), and society social capital (SSC). Overall, compared to before lockdown, ISC and CSC scores decreased, while FSC and SSC scores increased during lockdown. When stratified by educational levels, the trends for each dimension of social capital were consistent with the overall population. There were 43.9%, 5.7%, 32.1%, and 3.7% of the participants showing decreased scores during lockdown for ISC, FSC, CSC, and SSC, respectively, while 7.2%, 24.0%, 15.3%, and 10.7% of participants showed increased scores for ISC, FSC, CSC, and SSC, respectively. Our timely, large-scale study showed decreased social capital in individual and community dimensions and increased social capital in family and society dimensions during lockdown.

The role of public libraries in the development of social capital in local communities – a theoretical study

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 184-196
Author(s):  
Maja Dorota Wojciechowska
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact

PurposeSocial capital, understood as intangible community values available through a network of connections, is a factor in the development of societies and improving quality of life. It helps to remove economic inequalities and prevent poverty and social exclusion, stimulate social and regional development, civic attitudes and social engagement and build a civic society as well as local and regional identity. Many of these tasks may be implemented by libraries, which, apart from providing access to information, may also offer a number of services associated with social needs. The purpose of this paper is to present the roles and functions that libraries may serve in local communities in terms of assistance, integration and development based on classical social capital theories.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the classical concepts of social capital in the context of libraries. It analyses the findings of Pierre-Félix Bourdieu, James Coleman, Francis Fukuyama, Robert Putnam, Nan Lin, Ronald Stuart Burt, Wayne Baker and Alejandro Portes. Based on their respective concepts, the paper analyses the role of the contemporary library in the social life of local communities. In particular, it focuses on the possible new functions that public libraries may serve.FindingsA critical review of the concept of social capital revealed certain dependencies between libraries and their neighbourhoods. With new services that respond to the actual social needs, libraries may serve as a keystone, namely they may integrate, animate and engage local communities. This, however, requires a certain approach to be adopted by the personnel and governing authorities as well as infrastructure and tangible resources.Originality/valueThe social engagement of libraries is usually described from the practical perspective (reports on the services provided) or in the context of research on the impact of respective projects on specific groups of users (research reports). A broader approach, based on original social theories, is rarely encountered. The paper draws on classical concepts of social capital and is a contribution to the discussion on possible uses of those concepts based on an analysis of the role of libraries in social life and in strengthening the social capital of local communities.

scholarly journals Hard paths, soft paths or no paths? Cross-cultural perceptions of water solutions

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Wutich ◽  
A. C. White ◽  
D. D. White ◽  
K. L. Larson ◽  
A. Brewis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cultural Perceptions ◽  
Water Solutions ◽  
Development Status ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Us ◽  
Water Scarce

Abstract. In this study, we examine how development status and water scarcity shape people's perceptions of "hard path" and "soft path" water solutions. Based on ethnographic research conducted in four semi-rural/peri-urban sites (in Bolivia, Fiji, New Zealand, and the US), we use content analysis to conduct statistical and thematic comparisons of interview data. Our results indicate clear differences associated with development status and, to a lesser extent, water scarcity. People in the two less developed sites were more likely to suggest hard path solutions, less likely to suggest soft path solutions, and more likely to see no path to solutions than people in the more developed sites. Thematically, people in the two less developed sites envisioned solutions that involve small-scale water infrastructure and decentralized, community-based solutions, while people in the more developed sites envisioned solutions that involve large-scale infrastructure and centralized, regulatory water solutions. People in the two water-scarce sites were less likely to suggest soft path solutions and more likely to see no path to solutions (but no more likely to suggest hard path solutions) than people in the water-rich sites. Thematically, people in the two water-rich sites seemed to perceive a wider array of unrealized potential soft path solutions than those in the water-scarce sites. On balance, our findings are encouraging in that they indicate that people are receptive to soft path solutions in a range of sites, even those with limited financial or water resources. Our research points to the need for more studies that investigate the social feasibility of soft path water solutions, particularly in sites with significant financial and natural resource constraints.

scholarly journals Hard paths, soft paths or no paths? Cross-cultural perceptions of water solutions

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 7809-7835 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Wutich ◽  
A. C. White ◽  
C. M. Roberts ◽  
D. D. White ◽  
K. L. Larson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cultural Perceptions ◽  
Water Solutions ◽  
Development Status ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Us ◽  
Water Scarce

Abstract. In this study, we examine how development status and water scarcity shape people's perceptions of "hard path" and "soft path" water solutions. Based on ethnographic research conducted in four semi-rural/peri-urban sites (in Bolivia, Fiji, New Zealand, and the US), we use content analysis to conduct statistical and thematic comparisons of interview data. Our results indicate clear differences based on development status and, to a lesser extent, water scarcity. People in less developed sites were more likely to suggest hard path solutions, less likely to suggest soft path solutions, and more likely to see no path to solutions than people in more developed sites. Thematically, people in less developed sites envisioned solutions that involve small-scale water infrastructure and decentralized, community based solutions, while people in more developed sites envisioned solutions that involve large-scale infrastructure and centralized, regulatory water solutions. People in water-scarce sites were less likely to suggest soft path solutions and more likely to see no path to solutions (but no more likely to suggest hard path solutions) than people in water-rich sites. Thematically, people in water-rich sites seemed to perceive a wider array of unrealized potential soft path solutions than those in water-scarce sites. On balance, our findings are encouraging in that they indicate that people are receptive to soft path solutions in a range of sites, even those with limited financial or water resources. Our research points to the need for more studies that investigate the social feasibility of soft path water solutions, particularly in sites with significant financial and natural resource constraints.

scholarly journals The social capitals of recovery in mental health

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 384-402
Author(s):  
Brian Brown ◽  
Sally Baker
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Professional Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Capitals

In this article, we examine the process of recovery in people who have undertaken treatment for mental health problems, based on interviews with 34 participants. We describe their experiences through the lens of social capital, focusing on the social networks and relationships within which they are embedded and which they utilise to give purpose and meaning to their lives. The accounts give sense of movement from relationships, institutions and networks which were provided through their engagement with services towards relationships outside the health care system which were more freely chosen and which provided a sense that they were able to achieve recognition and make a contribution. The latter included activities such as art, theatre and sport. The relationships and institutions with which they were engaged via the statutory services were described as burdensome and inappropriate, whereas those which were freely chosen appeared more emancipatory and positively constitutive of identity. We have called this latter experience one of ‘intentional social capital’ because the participants were deliberately choosing and orienting to these networks and were able to derive pleasure and a sense of self from them. The findings have implications for how we see the situation of people recovering from mental health problems inasmuch as professional attitudes and practices could usefully be extended to more fully recognise and encourage wider patterns of social engagement and fulfilment occurring outside the limited contribution of clinical definitions and clinical interventions.

scholarly journals Bosnian ‘Returnee Voices’ Communicating Experiences of Successful Reintegration. The Social Capital and Sustainable Return Nexus in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Südosteuropa ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Selma Porobič
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Positive Development ◽  
Social Fabric ◽  
Grass Roots ◽  
Political Interference ◽  
The Social ◽  
Working Together

AbstractLarge scale war-displacement during the 1990s in Bosnia and Herzegovina greatly altered the demography of that country and caused severe damage to its social fabric. However, until now few studies have addressed the nexus of social capital and reintegration there in areas with high rates of return. This study is focused on relational practices relevant to the social environment and people in Prijedor, Zvornik, and Novo Goražde, three well-known returnee municipalities. This author’s findings suggest that reintegration is critically linked to mobilisation of various forms of social capital during all phases of the return process, and point to overlooked grass-roots activism which goes on despite the unfavourable political and socio-economic situation in the country. Positive development takes place when there is little political interference at local community level in a strong civil society. It requires strong leaders and social initiative takers among formal and informal returnee associations as well as resourceful individual returnees, all of which working together shape and lead reintegration activities.

scholarly journals Social capital and self-reported general and mental health in nine Former Soviet Union countries

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yevgeniy Goryakin ◽  
Marc Suhrcke ◽  
Lorenzo Rocco ◽  
Bayard Roberts ◽  
Martin McKee
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Instrumental Variable ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Individual Social Capital ◽  
The Social ◽  
Experience Good

AbstractSocial capital has been proposed as a potentially important contributor to health, yet most of the existing research tends to ignore the challenge of assessing causality in this relationship. We deal with this issue by employing various instrumental variable estimation techniques. We apply the analysis to a set of nine former Soviet countries, using a unique multi-country household survey specifically designed for this region. Our results confirm that there appears to be a causal association running from several dimensions of individual social capital to general and mental health. Individual trust appears to be more strongly related to general health, while social isolation- to mental health. In addition, social support and trust seem to be more important determinants of health than the social capital dimensions that facilitate solidarity and collective action. Our findings are remarkably robust to a range of different specifications, including the use of instrumental variables. Certain interaction effects are also found: for instance, untrusting people who live in communities with higher aggregate level of trust are even less likely to experience good health than untrusting people living in the reference communities.

Abstract P210: The Social Distribution Of Ideal Cardiovascular Health: A Global Systematic Review

Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farah Qureshi ◽  
Kelb Bousquet-Santos ◽  
Sakurako Shiba ◽  
Scott Delaney ◽  
Anne-Josee Guimond ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Status ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ideal Cardiovascular Health ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Us ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Social Distribution

Introduction: Numerous studies have examined the social determinants of ideal cardiovascular health (ICVH) around the world, but no work has summarized evidence to date. This study aimed to systematically review findings on the social distribution of ICVH globally, and to compare trends in high-income countries (HICs) vs. low/middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: In November 2019, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and LILACS for observational studies published after the American Heart Association (AHA) defined ICVH as a combination of health factors and behaviors in 2010. Search terms included ICVH/Life’s Simple 7 and a pre-defined set of social determinants of health (i.e., education, income/wealth, socioeconomic status (SES), employment, occupation, and race/ethnicity). Each abstract was reviewed by two independent researchers. Studies were included if associations between a composite measure of ICVH and a social determinant of health was quantified using statistical methods. We evaluated risk of bias using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Overall findings and comparisons between HICs and LMICs (defined by World Bank guidelines) were summarized narratively. Results: A total of 33 studies met inclusion criteria. Only 8 studies were from LMICs (n=4 from China), while 25 were from HICs (n=19 from the US). The most commonly assessed social determinants were education (n=18) and income/wealth (n=17). In both HICs and LMICs, few studies examined occupation or area-level measures, like rurality/urbanicity. Most studies were cross-sectional (n=27). Two thirds of studies and had a moderate (n=14, 43%) or high (n=8, 24%) risk of bias, but no systematic differences were noted by country setting. Nearly half of studies used composite ICVH measures that were of moderate or poor quality (i.e., based on only self-reported data and/or unvalidated instruments), and only 15% of studies (n=5) assessed each ICVH component using the exact criteria defined by the AHA. Despite substantial heterogeneity in how ICVH measures were derived and analyzed (e.g., as a binary, categorical, or count variable), fairly consistent associations were observed between higher levels of ICVH and higher social status (higher education, income/wealth, racial/ethnic majority status) across both HICs and LMICs. Studies of occupation (n=6, all from HICs) and area-level measures (n=4, 3 from LMICs) were less conclusive. Conclusion: Associations between higher social status and ICVH were noted in both HICs and LMICs, but most evidence was based on correlational data from cross-sectional studies in the US, primarily in relation to education and income. Important gaps in the literature include studies from LMICs, longitudinal designs to improve causal inference, and investigations of occupation, rurality/urbanicity, and race/ethnicity in non-US settings.

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