Blind spots in social resource theory : Essays on the creation, maintenance, and returns of social capital

The people we know matter. They provide information, personal advice or a sympathetic ear. In formal terms, this idea has been called social capital. A network perspective views social capital as resources available via an individual’s social ties. An individual can borrow these resources and use them to achieve important life aims, such as finding a new job or maintaining their wellbeing. This dissertation sheds light on several blind spots in our understanding of social capital. Based on four empirical studies it provides new insights into the creation, maintenance and returns of social capital. It adds complexity to a seemingly simple idea and concludes that we cannot do away with details. At the expense of simplicity, this dissertation seeks to tell a more complete story about the creation, maintenance, and returns of social capital.