“Most sociologists tend to view human behavior as the product of a social environment governed by social norms, rules, and obligations. Economists tend to view humans as independently motivated by rationally determined, wholly self-interested goals. The social capital concept combines elements from both streams of thought. It assumes that rationality is a primary motivating force for human behavior both at the level of individual action and at the level of social organization. This article introduces the concept of social capital and provides examples of its use. It then explores how social capital embedded in the family and community helps explain the level of human capital – represented by educational achievement – in the next generation.”
