See: List of Concepts and Concept:Affinity
Notes about Bonding Social Capital as conceptualised by Robert Putnam (via ChatGPT):
Bonding social capital, as described by Robert Putnam, is a form of social capital that refers to the connections and relationships between individuals who share similar identities, backgrounds, or affiliations. Putnam, a prominent sociologist, introduced the concept of social capital and highlighted its significance in fostering trust, reciprocity, and collective action within communities.
Bonding social capital is characterized by strong ties and relationships among individuals within a specific group or community. These ties are built on shared norms, values, and common interests, leading to a sense of solidarity, mutual support, and identity.
According to Putnam, bonding social capital plays a crucial role in promoting social cohesion, cooperation, and collective outcomes within a specific group. It creates a sense of belonging and loyalty, leading to increased levels of trust, cooperation, and social support among group members. Bonding social capital can facilitate coordination and collaboration, enabling the group to address common challenges, achieve common goals, and maintain social order.
Examples of bonding social capital include membership in close-knit social groups, such as family networks, ethnic or religious communities, or tightly-knit friendship circles. These relationships provide emotional support, shared values, and a sense of belonging, enhancing social solidarity and collective identity.
While bonding social capital can be beneficial in fostering internal cohesion and social support within a group, Putnam also highlights its potential limitations. Excessive bonding social capital can sometimes lead to social exclusivity, reinforcing divisions and limited interactions with individuals outside the group. This may result in social fragmentation, lack of exposure to diverse perspectives, and reduced opportunities for cross-group cooperation and understanding.
In summary, bonding social capital, as conceptualized by Robert Putnam, refers to the strong ties and relationships between individuals who share similar identities or affiliations. It fosters social cohesion, trust, and cooperation within a specific group, promoting a sense of solidarity and mutual support. While bonding social capital can be valuable, it is important to balance it with other forms of social capital to ensure inclusivity, diversity, and intergroup cooperation within broader society.
[Author’s Note: The above text was AI-generated and may not be accurate. The overarching intent behind this blog post is to provide a starting point for discussions among aspiring community builders. Just as startup founders can benefit from startup oriented content (such as those provided by accelerators and incubators), community builders can benefit from community building oriented content. If you are an aspiring community builder, please contribute to the discussion by commenting on this post]
See also Robert Putnam Research and Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam