Connection matters: Exploring the implications of social capital and social networks for social policy

The concept of social capital is a useful metaphor which suggests that a society with a rich web of relationships and widespread participation in community organizations will flourish, at many levels including the economic. Furthermore individuals who hold large accumulations of social capital will be at an advantage over others with less. A number of people, particularly 'third way thinkers,' have taken up the theme in the UK context. The view is that it can be an indicator of social change or its accumulation will lead to social change in some form. In this paper an overview of some of the developments of social capital will be given. The issue about measurement will be addressed, particularly social networks as a proxy to social capital. Some recent application to current social and health policy programmes will be explored. Finally some questions about whether social networks are an indicator of social capital will also be explored. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.