UPSC Prelims 2019 · Question 10 of 99

UPSC Prelims 2019 question on Social Capital

In the context of any country, which one of the following would be considered as part of its social capital?

  1. The proportion of literates in the population
  2. The stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines
  3. The size of population in the working age group
  4. The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society
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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).

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