Theories of Social Capital

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of the theories of social capital. Social capital refers to the networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: sociology social theory social capital
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Which sociologist is credited with developing the concept of social capital?

  1. Pierre Bourdieu

  2. James Coleman

  3. Robert Putnam

  4. Mark Granovetter


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

James Coleman is widely recognized for introducing the concept of social capital in his 1988 book, "Social Capital in the Creation of Human Capital."

What is the primary focus of Pierre Bourdieu's theory of social capital?

  1. The role of social networks in accessing resources

  2. The cultural and symbolic dimensions of social capital

  3. The impact of social capital on economic outcomes

  4. The relationship between social capital and political power


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Bourdieu's theory emphasizes the cultural and symbolic aspects of social capital, arguing that it is embedded in social structures and institutions.

According to Robert Putnam, what is the key factor in building social capital?

  1. The presence of strong social networks

  2. The level of trust and reciprocity within a community

  3. The availability of resources and opportunities

  4. The degree of government intervention


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Putnam argues that social capital is primarily built on trust and reciprocity among individuals within a community.

What is the main argument of Mark Granovetter's theory of the strength of weak ties?

  1. Weak ties are more likely to provide access to new information and resources.

  2. Weak ties are more likely to be maintained over time.

  3. Weak ties are more likely to be based on trust and reciprocity.

  4. Weak ties are more likely to lead to economic success.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Granovetter argues that weak ties, which are connections to people outside one's close social circle, are more likely to provide access to new information and resources.

Which of the following is NOT a dimension of social capital identified by Nan Lin?

  1. Structural social capital

  2. Cognitive social capital

  3. Cultural social capital

  4. Economic social capital


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Lin's theory of social capital includes structural, cognitive, and cultural dimensions, but not economic.

What is the term used to describe the process of converting social capital into economic or political resources?

  1. Social closure

  2. Social exchange

  3. Social mobilization

  4. Social capital conversion


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Social capital conversion refers to the process of transforming social capital into other forms of capital, such as economic or political resources.

Which theory emphasizes the role of social capital in facilitating collective action and civic engagement?

  1. Bourdieu's theory of social capital

  2. Coleman's theory of social capital

  3. Putnam's theory of social capital

  4. Granovetter's theory of social capital


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Putnam's theory of social capital places a strong emphasis on the role of social capital in facilitating collective action and civic engagement.

What is the term used to describe the negative consequences of social capital, such as exclusion and inequality?

  1. Social closure

  2. Social exchange

  3. Social mobilization

  4. Social capital conversion


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Social closure refers to the process by which social networks become exclusive and restrict access to resources and opportunities.

Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to the formation of social capital?

  1. Shared values and norms

  2. Trust and reciprocity

  3. Social networks and interactions

  4. Government policies and regulations


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

While government policies and regulations can influence social capital, they are not typically considered to be a direct contributing factor to its formation.

What is the term used to describe the process of bridging social capital across different social groups or communities?

  1. Social closure

  2. Social exchange

  3. Social mobilization

  4. Social capital bridging


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Social capital bridging refers to the process of building connections between different social groups or communities, thereby increasing the diversity and inclusivity of social networks.

Which theory emphasizes the role of social capital in promoting economic development and reducing poverty?

  1. Bourdieu's theory of social capital

  2. Coleman's theory of social capital

  3. Putnam's theory of social capital

  4. Granovetter's theory of social capital


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Coleman's theory of social capital places a strong emphasis on the role of social capital in promoting economic development and reducing poverty.

What is the term used to describe the process of bonding social capital within a close-knit group or community?

  1. Social closure

  2. Social exchange

  3. Social mobilization

  4. Social capital bonding


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Social capital bonding refers to the process of building strong ties and relationships within a close-knit group or community.

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of social capital?

  1. Increased trust and cooperation

  2. Improved economic outcomes

  3. Enhanced civic engagement

  4. Increased social isolation


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Social capital is generally associated with positive outcomes, such as increased trust, cooperation, and civic engagement. Social isolation is typically considered a negative consequence.

What is the term used to describe the process of linking social capital across different levels of society, such as local, regional, and national?

  1. Social closure

  2. Social exchange

  3. Social mobilization

  4. Social capital linking


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Social capital linking refers to the process of building connections between different levels of society, thereby increasing the vertical integration and coordination of social networks.

Which theory emphasizes the role of social capital in facilitating social mobility and educational attainment?

  1. Bourdieu's theory of social capital

  2. Coleman's theory of social capital

  3. Putnam's theory of social capital

  4. Granovetter's theory of social capital


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Bourdieu's theory of social capital places a strong emphasis on the role of social capital in facilitating social mobility and educational attainment.

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