UPSC Prelims 2019 · Question 10 of 99
UPSC Prelims 2019 question on Social Capital
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2019
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectPolity
- TopicGovernance
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeDirect
In the context of any country, which one of the following would be considered as part of its social capital?
Show answer
Answer: D. The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society
Social capital is a sociological concept that refers to the intangible relational assets that emerge from social interactions. These assets are generated through give and take and activate the 'norm of reciprocity,' creating social obligations that connect and bind people and groups. The more social capital is used, the greater the benefits.
The concept of social capital is composed of three distinct but interrelated structural, emotional and behavioral components — networks, trust and collaborative cultural norms.
Literacy rates, physical infrastructure, and working-age population are forms of human or physical capital, not social capital.
The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society best represents social capital → Option (d).