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Why Is Social Capital Important

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November 3rd 2015
Social capital; An Opportunity for One, but a Barrier for the Other
Social capital is referred to as “The networks or connections that individuals possess” (Brym and Lie 2012: 123). According to Coleman, the strong bond one shares with other individuals or entities grants one with supplementary opportunities, and significantly increases the likelihood of then achieving those opportunities (Brym and Lie 2012: 123). An example that demonstrates this concept is when my twelfth grade teacher wrote a reference letter on my behalf. This letter was compulsory in order to gain admission in post-secondary institutions in England, particularly to study L.L.B, and luckily I was accepted, upon to which …show more content…
Although social capital has its significant value because of the advantages that it comes with, but it is increasing social inequality and intensifying stratification within society. My example evidently relates to this because after fulfilling all the requirements and applying, I soon received an offer of admission. To dissect this admission one can assume that the odds swayed in my favor based on my letter of reference. For example, an individual who may have the same qualifications as myself could have been marginalized solely based on them not having a letter of reference with content, or language structured in their favor, like myself. The teacher who wrote my letter of reference may not have known me personally -in terms of academics- but only at a social level. However, based on our social interaction, the letter held a degree of social solidarity, thus making myself seem like an outstanding citizen of the school …show more content…
Examining the possible reasons that could have led me to this opportunity of social capital are that I was a student who actively showed initiative and potential. Nevertheless, it could have also been the fact that I helped my teacher frequently in my spare time with administrative work and asked him for extra help regarding lessons and assignments. It seems like, in my case, my teacher had a vital role of power which could have been used or misused by purposely using language in the letter that could cause the admissions offices’ in England to sway in favor, or against my position in their school. Moreover, the letter may have been alleviated based on my teacher’s personal view of my character, due to a conflict of interest, or perhaps various discriminatory factors such as my gender, race, and class. This further creates a conflict of power, social mobility and develops hierarchies of privilege within

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