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Community Social Capital Model

Extension’s Community Social Capital Model shows the whole social capital picture.

 
  • The core is efficacy — a belief that one can make a difference in a variety of social contexts.
  • The inner ring considers trust within each of the three types of networks:
    • Bonding — residents with a common social background trust each other
    • Bridging — residents with different social backgrounds trust each other
    • Linking — residents trust organizations and systems
  • The outer ring considers types of engagement, also within each of the three types of networks:
    • Bonding — residents with a common social background engage with each other
    • Bridging — residents with different social backgrounds engage with each other
    • Linking — residents engage with organizations and systems

When conditions in each of these seven aspects of social capital are strong, a community is more able to channel its human energy to solve problems.

  • Bonding — residents have close connections that give a sense of belonging and help them get by.
  • Bridging — residents have broad connections that help them expand opportunities.
  • Linking — residents have connections to organizations and systems that help them gain resources and bring about change.

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Extension educators work in communities with partners throughout Minnesota. Contact us for consultation, guidance and conversation about your community.

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