Zasoby i kierunki zmian kapitału społecznego w wybranych płaszczyznach zróżnicowania społecznego

Abstract

The article presents theoretical accounts and the most important research findings, both Polish and international, concerning social capital in relation to social diversity and inequality. The analysis is aimed to show the major trends in social resources diversity. Two indicators of social capital are considered – participation in association and other forms of organizations (i.e. formal social capital) and social networks access (i.e. informal social capital). Social capital, like other forms of capital, is not equally distributed in society. Its allocation not only reflects the existing social divisions but can also preserve or even deepen social inequalities. Research findings indicate that the extent of social capital is associated with socio-demographic characteristics, such as age and gender, socio-economic status, and with ethno-cultural diversity. The changes of forms and fields of social activity are noteworthy and should be taken into account both in evaluation of social capital resources and in practices aimed to support social integration of the socially excluded or categories threatened by social exclusion.