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Measuring social capital: further insights
Elena Carrillo Álvarez1, Jordi Riera Romaní2
1Facultat de Ciències de la Salut Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain; Grup de recerca en Pedagogia, Societat, Innovació i TIC, Facultat de Psicologia, Ciències de l'Educació i l'Esport Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain.
Gaceta Sanitaria
|October 30, 2016
Summary
Social capital, resources from social networks, has varied definitions impacting health research. Systematizing its measurement is crucial for understanding social capital
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Health Economics
Background:
- Social capital, defined as resources from social networks, is linked to health outcomes.
- Existing research presents a fragmented understanding due to diverse definitions and measurement approaches.
- This heterogeneity complicates efforts to establish clear associations between social capital and health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of measurement approaches for social capital across its dimensions and scales.
- To explore the presumed mechanisms through which social capital influences health.
- To inform the refinement of existing measures or the development of new, more appropriate ones.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on social capital measurement.
- Analysis of different dimensions and scales of social capital.
- Examination of theoretical pathways linking social capital to health.
Main Results:
- Identified significant heterogeneity in social capital definitions and measurement tools.
- Highlighted various proposed mechanisms, including social support, collective efficacy, and access to information.
- Demonstrated the need for standardized measurement to strengthen research findings.
Conclusions:
- A systematic approach to measuring social capital is essential for robust health research.
- Clarifying measurement and mechanisms will enhance our understanding of social capital's impact on health.
- Refined measurement strategies can lead to more effective public health interventions.
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