Beyond the Classroom: Exploring the Relationship Between Extracurriculars, Social Capital, and Academic Achievement

Abstract

This research examines the relationship between extracurriculars, social capital and academic achievement. Sports, music, theaters, clubs, and volunteer work are a few examples of extracurricular activities that take place outside of the traditional academic curriculum and the classroom. Academic achievement is measured in terms of performance in school, whereas social capital refers to the resources and support that individuals can access through their social networks. The considerable amount of literature on the subject has explored the relationship between extracurricular activities, social capital, and academic achievement in many studies. This study reviews and synthesizes the results of previous investigations in order to shed light on the mechanisms and modifiers of this association. The findings suggest that participation in extracurricular activities may have positive effects on social capital and academic achievement, but this relationship is complex and varied and may be modified by a variety of personal and contextual factors. The research concludes with recommendations on how to support higher student outcomes through extracurricular activities for parents, lawmakers, and educators. Keywords: Extracurricular activities, social capital, academic achievement, student development DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-15-10 Publication date: May 31 st 2023