Forms Taken by Social Capital
Now that we understand what social capital is, the next important question is:
In what ways does social capital express itself in society?
Scholars have debated this extensively, but one of the most widely accepted frameworks classifies social capital into three major forms:
1️⃣ Bonding Social Capital – Connections with Similar People
This is the strongest and most intimate form of social capital. It is based on common identity, and it works like glue that holds homogeneous groups together.
🔹 Examples:
- Family members
- Close childhood friends
- People from the same community, caste, religion, or ethnic group
These are people you trust deeply and turn to for emotional or immediate support.
💡 Analogy: Bonding social capital is like the roots of a tree—deep, strong, and close to the center. They give stability and nourishment but are mostly confined to their immediate space.
🧠 Function:
- Provides emotional support
- Maintains cultural continuity
- Can also lead to social exclusion if it becomes too inward-looking (e.g., caste-based groupism)
2️⃣ Bridging Social Capital – Connections Across Diverse Groups
Here, the connections are weaker but more diverse. They bridge across social divides, helping us reach beyond our immediate identity group.
🔹 Examples:
- Colleagues at work
- Acquaintances from different religious or ethnic backgrounds
- Friends you meet through professional events, clubs, or social media
💡 Analogy: Bridging social capital is like a bridge across a river—it connects two different lands. It may not be as deeply rooted as bonding capital, but it enables movement, exchange, and diversity.
🧠 Function:
- Encourages social mobility
- Promotes tolerance and mutual understanding
- Broadens one’s worldview and access to resources
3️⃣ Linking Social Capital – Vertical Connections in Society
This is a more hierarchical form of social capital. It refers to relationships between individuals/ groups at different levels of power or status.
🔹 Examples:
- A citizen’s relationship with government officials
- A student’s interaction with university administration
- NGO connections with funding agencies or policymakers
💡 Analogy: Linking social capital is like a ladder—it helps you climb up or connect down the social hierarchy.
🧠 Function:
- Facilitates access to institutions and resources
- Promotes policy influence
- Helps marginalized groups voice concerns
📌 Why This Typology Matters
Each form serves a different purpose:
| Type | Strength | Social Reach | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonding | Strong ties | Narrow | Emotional and cultural support |
| Bridging | Medium ties | Broad | Exposure, learning, and diversity |
| Linking | Hierarchical | Vertical | Resource and power access |
Conclusion
So, when we say that population is a social capital, we must examine how people are connected—are they only tied to their kin? Or do they also connect across cultures and power levels?
A healthy social fabric requires bonding for stability, bridging for openness, and linking for institutional access.