A Concept Analysis of Social Capital Within a Health Context

PURPOSE. This paper aims to clarify the concept of social capital within a health context using Rodgers's (2000) Evolutionary Method. SOURCE. Published literature. CONCLUSIONS. The analysis demonstrates that social capital is the intangible assets, including trust, networks, and social norms of reciprocity, possessed by a society within a specific culture. When a unit (individual or a family) increases its sense of community or quality of community participation, this could increase its social capital. The result of this analysis provides a guide for further conceptual and empirical research and clinical practice.