Social SciencesHuman DevelopmentSociologyAdolescent DevelopmentSocial DemographySocial DevelopmentAdolescent Social DevelopmentSocial CapitalSocial NetworksYouth DevelopmentYouth EngagementLongitudinal SurveysSocial Capital In EducationSocioeconomic DisadvantageYouth Social CapitalYouth Social Development
Social capital refers to the attributes and qualities of family, social and community networks that facilitate cooperation between individuals and communities. The quality of these networks and the extent to which individuals are engaged with them are believed to have an impact on the educational and social development of children and young people. Some evidence suggests that the influence of community networks can even help to offset some of the effects of socioeconomic disadvantage. This briefing paper draws on two prominent social capital frameworks to investigate how the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) can be used to investigate social capital and youth transitions. It also explores the impact of social capital on the educational and social outcomes of young people by looking at international studies as well as related research that makes use of LSAY data.