Table 6.
Proposed conceptualization of social capital and health
| Approach | Approach definition | Dimension | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network | Patterns of social ties that exist within a set of actors (individuals, groups, organisations, etc.). Social ties refer to the links that bring different actors together, and can be formal or informal. | Binding | Long lasting, multiplex, and highly emotional relationships |
| Bonding | Resources that are accessed within networks or groups having generally similar characteristics | ||
| Bridging | Social resources that may be accessed across different groups (usually with different socio-demographic and socio-economic positions) | ||
| Linking | Networks of trust that connect individuals and groups across different structures (often in relation to institutionalized authority/ power) | ||
| Cohesion | The presence of strong social bonds that bridge divisions in society, and the lack of conflict in a society | Structural | Formal opportunities in which individual actors might develop social ties or social networks |
| Cognitive | Perceptions of trust, reciprocity, and support, shared values | ||
| Relational | Nature of relationships and identification with others | ||
| Identification | An individual’s socio-cognitive identification with one or several social category/ies or with one or several concrete groups | Cognitive | Self-categorization of belonging to a group, or group membership |
| Affective | Emotional evaluation of group membership | ||
| In-group ties | Perceptions of similarity and bonds with group members |