What is Social Capital?
Social capital describes the pattern and intensity of networks among people and the shared values which arise from those networks. While definitions of social capital vary, the main aspects are citizenship, neighbourliness, trust and shared values, community involvement, volunteering, social networks and civic participation.
The ONS Social Capital Project
Social capital is a multi-faceted concept and as a result it is extremely difficult to measure. Therefore the key aims of the project are to develop and promote a more consistent approach to the measurement of social capital and to produce analytical articles on social capital.
Interactive Question Bank
The interactive question bank builds on the social capital survey matrix, allowing on-line users to compare and contrast the wording of the questions from fifteen surveys that measure aspects of social capital.
ESDS Social Capital Thematic Guide
An introductory guide to large scale surveys providing social capital data. This provides details of surveys which include any questions on aspects of social capital and links to related documents. This guide extends the information in the interactive question bank.
Contact Details
If you have any queries about the social capital project please contact us via social.capital@ons.gov.uk
