Social Capital: Main Concepts and Conceptual Framework

In recent years, we have witnessed the concept of social capital incorporated into academic discourse and scientific documentations in the sphere of sociology, social sciences, economic, and recently political sciences. The reason for the increasing focus on social capital is because of the role it plays in enhancing the ability of communities to manage and sustain the human, economic and environmental capitals. Social capital is addressed as a factor for the success of social welfare and social health programs. That is why social capital is included in more recent systems of social and development indicators by the world’s well-known organizations. This article is based on a comprehensive literature review chosen from the most recent publications which have played a key role in the development of tire concept of social capital. It begins with defining social capital and its main components. Common themes in the literature come next. After noting an initial summary of differences between human capital and social capital, it examines the conceptual framework of tire subject and finally discusses the relationship between social capital and social problems. The importance of trust in this process is also addressed.