The perspectives of social capital, part I

Abstract

This article presents a theoretical review of the perspectives of social capital. First, the concept of social capital is defined, taking into consideration the different interpretations that social capital has been the object of. Then, the two fundamental perspectives of social capital recognized in the literature are identified: the individual perspective, also called the network approach, which considers social capital an individual resource; and the community perspective, which made the theory of social capital famous and considers it a characteristic of a group. Finally, the bridges that unite them and the abysses that separate them are analyzed.