About

The evidence is clear: who one knows is just as important, if not more so, than what one knows. Social capital, the fabric of our relationships, trust, and community bonds, is now recognized as playing a crucial role in social mobility, associated with increased wealth, health, and happiness. 

Unfortunately, America has witnessed a troubling decline in the strength of social ties and social mobility since the mid-century, leading to increased social isolation, alienation, lower life expectancy and an array of other societal determinants of health and wealth. This decline in social capital has significant implications for individual and community well-being, as well as for America’s civic and political institutions, and society’s resilience to shocks and crises.

In response to these challenges, the RSA has partnered with Opportunity Insights to build the field of social capital that bridges researchers, practitioners and communities. Specifically, this collaboration aims to expand our collective understanding of social capital, connect, equip and mobilize a growing field of practitioners committed to translating growing evidence into action. Learn about our social connections intervention here.