What is social capital, and how do trust and networks influence social cohesion and resilience?

• A. The capital stock of a city
• B. Resources from social networks and trust; they enable collaboration, support, and collective action
• C. The legal framework governing social rights
• D. Financial instruments used by communities

Answer: (B)

Social capital is the value that comes from people’s relationships—trust, shared norms, and the networks they belong to—that enable cooperation and collective action. When there is trust, people are more willing to work together, share information, and help each other without constant monitoring or costly incentives. Networks connect individuals to resources, support, and opportunities, making it easier to coordinate efforts, disseminate information, and mobilize assistance when needed. Because of these ties, communities tend to be more cohesive, with a sense of belonging and mutual obligation that binds people together and reduces social fragmentation. In times of trouble, this social fabric translates into resilience: trusted connections speed communication, pooling of resources, and coordinated responses that help a community recover and adapt. Bridging ties that link diverse groups broaden access to new ideas and resources, strengthening the ability to cope with shocks; while overly insular bonding can limit outside support. The other options describe money, laws, or assets unrelated to the relational and trust-based networks that actually constitute social capital.