Net-Base Theory of Social Capital

The concept of social capital has been widely accepted; however its theoretical significance in sociology is not clear yet. In this paper, we propose a theoretical device in order to make this analogical concept the key to integrate relation-theories (theories of social relation, social networks, and social structure) in sociology. Social capital is analogy, the aim of which is to capture such mechanism that is similar to capital accumulation process in social structure. Every element of social structure and every relation-theory as well should have relation to this concept to some degree. As a rule it inevitably has multiple meanings; on the other hand, it should work as a hub by which various relation-theories are consistently connected to each other. In order to extract this unifying power, we introduce the ‘net-base.’ Net-base is a common attribute that provides a basis of social ties. Thus net-base implies a corresponding socio-centric network that consists of all the members who share it; moreover, configuration of various net-bases implies interrelationship between multiple socio-centric networks. We assume that accumulation of social capital is oriented by socio-centric networks embedded in social structure; then, net-base is an indicator in terms of which we can infer how network mechanisms in social structure condition the accumulation process of social capital. In making the inference we often need to access different type relation-theories, which will provide an opportunity of theory integration. Additionally, net-base is easily measurable by questionnaires on personal networks and group participation in ordinal individual-base survey. Thus, net-base theory makes it possible to locate ‘social capital’ in the storage house of relation-theories and to empirically find valid inference in regard to network mechanisms of capital accumulation. More extendedly, it should have integrity with the rational choice research program of social capital proposed by Flap and Völker (2004).