University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The relationships between social capital and economic well-being — an individual level analysis

Zhang, Saijun

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2_Zhang_Saijun.pdf

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/16521

Description

Title
The relationships between social capital and economic well-being — an individual level analysis
Author(s)
Zhang, Saijun
Issue Date
2010-06-29T00:56:36Z
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Anderson, Steven G.
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Anderson, Steven G.
Committee Member(s)
  • Eamon, Mary K.
  • Zhan, Min
  • Farner, Susan M.
Department of Study
School of Social Work
Discipline
Social Work
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Date of Ingest
2010-06-29T00:56:36Z
Keyword(s)
  • social capital
  • bonding capital
  • bridging capital
  • economic well-being
  • individual
Abstract
Social capital refers to social networks, trust, and norms. This study distinguished between bonding and bridging social capital, and examined relationships between these two types of social capital and economic well-being at the individual level. Bridging capital was measured as engagement in activities of various voluntary organizations, and bonding capital was measured by networks of kin and friends. The study first examined the impact of individual bonding and bridging capital on future economic well-being, and then the impact of individual economic well-being on future bonding and bridging capital development. The sample for the analysis included 3,198 non-student adults from the National Survey of Families and Households. Multivariate analyses indicated that: (a) individual bridging capital was positively associated with future economic well-being, but individual bonding capital was not; and (b) individual economic well-being was positively associated with future bridging capital development, but not with future bonding capital development. The study has useful policy and practice implications. The findings suggest that poverty alleviation programs that integrate social capital as an essential element should focus on strategies to enhance bridging capital. On the other hand, policy makers and social service agents need to carefully consider potential financial barriers faced by low-income people when helping them to develop bridging capital.
Graduation Semester
2010-5
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/16521
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2010 Saijun Zhang

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