Question

UPSC Prelims 2019 Question:

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

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

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4: The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

  • People in every society have varying amounts of social resources. Those resources are of three kinds, namely 

  • Economic Capital - in the form of material assets and Income. 

  • Cultural Capital – in the form of educational qualifications and status

  • Social Capital – in the form of a network of contacts and social association.

  • Social capital can be perceived as a collection of resources that equals a network of relationships and mutual recognition. It involves the effective functioning of society through interpersonal relationships, the mutual sense of identity, understanding, mutual norms, values, trust, cooperation, and harmony.

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Polity | Miscellaneous(pol)

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