Community Psychology Perspectives on Social Capital Theory and Community Development Practice

TLDR

Social capital is defined at interpersonal, community, institutional, or societal levels through networks and norms of reciprocity and trust, yet excessive focus on cohesion can disempower communities by hindering necessary conflict engagement. Concepts and research from community psychology can inform community development practice by reframing social capital theory. SC should be analyzed in a multi‑level ecological framework that includes individual psychological and behavioral concepts such as sense of community, collective efficacy, and participation, as well as institutional and community network‑level factors that motivate and sustain engagement. Findings suggest prioritizing network‑bridging opportunities to enhance power, access, and learning, and that institutional and community network analysis reveals where to target resources and develop mediating structures.

Abstract

Concepts and research from community psychology can inform community development practice by reframing social capital theory. Social capital (SC) is generally defined and measured at the interpersonal, community, institutional, or societal levels in terms of networks (bridging) and norms of reciprocity and trust (bonding) within those networks. SC should be analyzed in a multi-level ecological framework in terms of both individual psychological and behavioral conceptions (sense of community, collective efficacy—or empowerment, neighboring, and citizen participation) and institutional and community network-level conceptions. Excessive concern for social cohesion undermines the ability to confront or engage in necessary conflict, and thus, it dis-empowers the community. Instead of emphasizing social cohesion, "network-bridging" opportunities to increase power, access, and learning should be emphasized. Institutional and community network analysis shows how SC operates at those levels and where to target service resources and develop mediating structures. Psychological and behavioral factors point to factors that motivate individuals to engage in building SC and methods to maintain and improve that engagement.