Read Me First: Points of Entry to the Vast and Varied Literature on Social Capital

• In Event: Social Capital Theory and Research

Abstract

Social capital is among the most popular theoretical exports to educational research from the field of sociology. Its popularity has led to a proliferation of conceptual models, associated terminology, and applications. In the past four years, over 20,000 sources containing the terms “social capital” and “educational research” have been indexed by Google Scholar. This paper constitutes a helpful “read me first” document guiding researchers through a streamlined set of points of entry to the educational literature on social capital, and concludes with recommendations geared toward graduate students and emerging scholars beginning a search on this topic. Both practical and theoretical value can be gained by approaching social capital research with a clear and concise guide to what has come before.

Author

• Eileen Boswell, University of Nebraska - Omaha