Description and Recognition of the Concept of Social Capital in Higher Education System

Overview & Synopsis

The current research is intended to describe and recognize the concept of social capital in higher education based on theoretical method in a descriptive-analytical approach. Description and Recognition of the data, gathered from theoretical and experimental studies, indicated that social capital is one of the most important indices for development and growth of higher education which has three components: social confidence, social integration and social participation. Social capital is obtained from educational institutes since preschool to higher education levels. Higher education is considered as a powerful producer of social capital. Thus, existing social capital is considered as the major precondition of creating opportunity, incentive and capability of individuals in higher education which influences knowledge creation through opportunity and combining capability and knowledge. Functions of higher education and social capital have mutual effects. In order to promote social capital, the elements of higher education must be formulated based on the components of social capital and needs of community.