Social Capital

Social capital has been defined in many different ways by different people, but in general terms it is the ability of individuals within a social network or social structure to work together for a common purpose and gain access to resources. Within the social network there generally exists a certain set of informal values or norms which are shared by the members of the group. It is this shared set of values which increases the ability of the group to cooperate together.

Recently, there has been some concern from political scientists that too much immigration can create "ethno-racial diversity" which can have a negative effect on "public collective-mindedness" which can eventually erode a countries social capital and democratic vitality. Scientists argue public collective-mindedness has been linked to economic productive and children's educational success. The argument postulates that as social capital and public collective-mindedness decreases some people have less trust in their neighbors, political leaders, less incentive to cooperate with others and lower expectations from others due to diversity and social isolation.