Social Capital in Carceral Settings: Expert Insights to Measurement and Definition

• In Event: Social Institutions and Crime across the Life Course

Abstract

Social capital, a concept traditionally tied to trust, reciprocity, and social networks, has been extensively studied across various disciplines but remains underexplored within carceral settings. This study examines the definition and measurement of social capital in these contexts, addressing the critical gap in existing literature where traditional tools—such as values surveys, proxy variables, and aggregate indicators—fall short of capturing the realities of incarcerated populations. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with scholars specializing in social capital and criminal justice, this research seeks to identify how social capital should be conceptualized and measured within environments marked by restricted social interactions and institutional control. Through qualitative content analysis, this study develops a thematic understanding of expert opinions on defining and operationalizing social capital in carceral spaces. The findings aim to lay the groundwork for a robust, context-sensitive framework for measuring social capital among incarcerated individuals. This exploratory research highlights the limitations of current methodologies and offers critical insights for future investigations into the role of social networks and norms in shaping outcomes for justice-involved populations. By addressing these gaps, this work contributes to a more nuanced understanding of social capital’s function within the criminal justice system and its potential implications for policy and rehabilitation.

Authors

• Cami Fairbanks, Arizona State University

• Jack Minnock, Arizona State University