Inequality In Social Capital

Social inequality in all types of resources is a major research problem in sociology. It is assumed that inequality in particular forms of capital, such as human capital or financial capital, brings about inequality in social capital and vice versa. Furthermore, social research shows the importance of social networks and social capital for in general all aspects of life. For example, many studies point at the importance of social networks for achieving major goals in life such as getting ahead in the occupational career, e.g. finding a job or a house, but also for staying healthy or getting support with daily and personal problems. Yet, although the value of social networks for providing social capital is without any doubt, little is known on the distribution of social capital and even less so on the differences in social networks between different social groups: older and younger, natives and migrants or higher and lower educated persons.