Social Networks and Social Capital

Abstract

This chapter investigates the role of social capital for the political engagement of unemployed youth. Both social capital drawn from membership in voluntary associations and that resulting from interpersonal networks and relations are considered. Previous research has often stressed the importance of civil society organizations for political engagement. At the individual level, this translates into the idea that membership in voluntary associations spurs political engagement. This chapter aims to ascertain whether social capital stemming from associational membership, interpersonal networks, and social support matter for the political participation by young unemployed. It addresses the following research question: To what extent does the social capital provided by associational involvement or social relations mitigate the negative effects of unemployment on the political engagement of youth?