Building Social Capital in Vulnerable Families

Abstract

Researchers suggest that key to addressing the needs of vulnerable families is to involve parents in their child's academic life. However, this article argues, it is not simply involvement that matters for the improved functioning of these families but the production of the three dimensions of social capital (bonding, bridging, and linking) through human interaction in the school that reduces risk factors in vulnerable families. Thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with participants and community stakeholders in a school-based family support program, Families and Schools Together (F&ST), revealed six success markers implicit in the narratives. The success markers demonstrate that the major outcome of F&ST is the production of social capital in all three of its dimensions. The article highlights the importance of social capital in building stronger, more resilient families.