Sociologies (Jun 2009)
Réseau social et capital social : une distinction conceptuelle nécessaire illustrée à l’aide d’une enquête sur l’insertion professionnelle de jeunes Québécois
Abstract
In this article, we propose an operationalization of Bourdieu’s definition of “social capital” as it relates to the operationalization of the definition of “social network”. First, after establishing the context, the conceptual framework presents the various meanings of social capital and explains the definition that was retained. Second, we apply this conceptual framework to the analysis of data taken from a study conducted in Quebec. The analysis results show that by moving beyond the simple notion of a network of contacts, we were able to demonstrate the difference between mutual cognition and recognition. Nuances, certainly, but the importance of which is revealed in the comprehension of the phenomenon. In short, it becomes important to distinguish the concepts of social network and social capital to gain a better understanding of the occupational integration process among youth.
