Social capital is arguably the most critical idea to emerge in the social sciences in the last two decades. Emphasizing the importance of social networks, communication, and the symbolic and material exchanges that strengthen communities, social capital has been the subject of an expansive body of literature. Social Capital, Diversity, and the Welfare State represents a landmark consideration of the diverse meanings, causal foundations, and positive and negative consequences of social capital, with a particular focus on its role in mitigating or enhancing social inequalities.

The chapters, written by economists, political scientists, and sociologists, address a range of empirical and theoretical issues. This book is cutting-edge addition to the field that offers fresh insights into the conceptualization, operation, sources, and consequences of social capital in Canadian society.

Fiona Kay's profile page

Richard Johnston is Canada Research Chair in Public Opinion, Elections, and Representation at the University of British Columbia.

Richard Johnston's profile page

This book, written by a team of exciting researchers, helps us understand the importance of trust, social networks, and norms of generalized reciprocity for social inequality, race and ethnic relations, multiculturalism, family relations, and health. Kay and Johnston have helped to organize and advance a key theoretical and empirical challenge of the 21st century in the social sciences. Students and scholars in sociology and political science will find this book a thorough and thought provoking examination of social capital.

Reza Nakhaie, author of Debates on Social Inequality: Class, Gender, and Ethnicity in Canada