Social Networks, Social Trust, and Pro-Social Activities
Language: English
In the social capital theory proposed by R. Putnam, it is assumed that social capital generates various social benefits. Moreover, Putnam argued that social capital consists of social networks, generalized trust, and reciprocal norms. Nevertheless, while Putnam's social capital theory has been widely accepted by many social researchers, how and why social networks, social trust, and pro-social activities are related to each other has not been sufficiently examined in the previous literature. Consequently, theoretically or empirically specifying the microprocesses associated with social networks, generalized trust, and pro-social activities remains a significant task for social researchers.
Therefore, to accurately estimate the role of social capital, it is believed that the following questions should be addressed:
- First, how and why can social networks generate generalized trust among individuals, even though individuals are inherently selfish?
- Second, how and why can individuals with generalized trust form diverse (or heterogeneous) social networks in their society?
- Third, what types of social benefits can be derived from such diverse social networks and generalized trust?
Building on these research questions, this session expects presentations that address various issues related to the associations between social networks, social trust, and pro-social activities. Both theoretical and empirical studies are welcome.