Date of Graduation
2001
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
Committee Chair
Ronald Althouse
Abstract
In this study, we join the discourse concerning social capital and its formation. Social capital has been identified as a key ingredient to the creation of interconnected community. We theorize that access to resources plays a more prominent role than does membership in a particular age set in the production of engaged and involved community members. In our study, we categorize individuals by age set and resource level and make comparisons between groups and upon individuals among the various (5) indicators of social capital. Our analysis of the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation data implies that individuals who are resource low have corresponding low levels of social trust, informal interaction, group involvement, acts of giving and volunteerism, and civic engagement. These findings call for increased effort to help the resource deprived to acquire the physical and human capital when attempts are being made to promote increased levels of social capital.
Recommended Citation
Himes, Jeffrey Jay, "Generational factors and resource availability: A study of the key components of social capital formation." (2001). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD). 10604.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10604