buildinganetworktheoryofsocialcapital[linnan]教程.pdf

CONNECTIONS 22(1): 28-51 ©1999 I NSNA Building a Network Theory of Social Capital Nan Lin . of Sociology, Duke University Dept INTRODUCTION In the past two decades, social capital in its various forms and contexts has emerged as one of . While much excitement has been generated, the most salient concepts in social sciences : is it a fad divergent views, perspectives, and expectations have also raised the serious question or does it have enduring qualities that will herald a new intellectual enterprise? This presentations purpose is to review social capital as discussed in the literature, identify controversies and debates, consider some critical issues, and propose conceptual and research strategies in building a theory. I will argue that such a theory and the research enterprise must be based on the fundamental understanding that social capital is captured from embedded . Deviations from this understanding in conceptualization and resources in social networks measurement lead to confusion in analyzing causal mechanisms in the macro- and micro- processes. It is precisely these mechanisms and processes, essential for an interactive theory about structure and action, to which social capital promises to make contributions . The paper will begin by exploring the nature of capital and various theories of capital, so that social capital can be properly perceived and located . It will then identify certain controversies which, unless clarified or resolved, will hinder the development of a theory and the research enterprise. By considering social capital as assets in networks, the paper will discuss some issues in conceptualizations, measurements, and causal mechanisms (the factors leading to inequality of social cap