Social capital : a theory of social structure and action In Social Capital Nan Lin explains the importance of using social connections and social relations in achieving goals. Social capital or resources accessed through such connections and relations is critical (along with human capital or what a person or an organization actually possesses) to individuals social groups organizations and communities in achieving objectives. Jacket Theory and Research Theories of Capital: The Historical Foundation Social Capital: Capital Captured through Social Relations Resources Hierarchy Networks and Homophily: The Structural Foundation Resources Motivations and Interactions: The Action Foundation The Theory and Theoretical Propositions Social Capital and Status Attainment: A Research Tradition Inequality in Social Capital: A Research Agenda Conceptual Extensions Social Capital and the Emergence of Social Structure: A Theory of Rational Choice Reputation and Social Capital: The Rational Basis for Social Exchange Social Capital in Hierarchical Structures Institutions Networks and Capital Building: Societal Transformations Cybernetworks and the Global Village: The Rise of Social Capital The Future of the Theory