Inequality in Access to Social Capital in the Netherlands

Abstract

Whereas much research has been done on the benefits of social capital, less is known about the causes of the unequal distribution of social capital in people's networks. This study examines inequalities in access to social capital in terms of the socio-economic resources that are embedded in personal networks. Using data from NELLS, a nationally representative survey of the Dutch population aged 15-45 years, results show that within this age group access to social capital increases with age and educational qualifications, and is lower among women. Residing in a less affluent neighbourhood and scoring lower on a measurement for cognitive abilities are associated with less social capital. Participation in voluntary associations and having an ethnically diverse network are associated with more access to social capital. Surprisingly, when studying differences across national origin groups, we do not find that Turkish immigrants are disadvantaged in access to social capital.

Social networks and feelings of social loneliness after migration: The case of European migrants with a native partner in Belgium

“…(2008) have similar findings despite differences between migrants from Western Europe and the US compared to non-European migrants. However, other studies do not confirm this ethnic deprivation (Lubbers et al., 2010; Nisic and Petermann, 2013; Van Tubergen and Völker, 2015). Boyd and Nowak (2012) moreover, discuss the disproportional effect an international move can have on women.…”

The intersection of class origin and immigration background in structuring social capital: the role of transnational ties

“…Lannoo et al () did not find any effect of immigration background on social capital, and Verhaeghe, Van der Bracht and Van de Putte () found that members of ethnic minorities have less access to social capital, but when controlling for socioeconomic factors, this negative association turned positive. Similarly, van Tubergen and Volker's () study of the adult population in the Netherlands found that people with a Moroccan or Turkish background have lower access to social capital, but that differences decrease or disappear when socioeconomic factors are taken into account.…”

Access to Social Capital and Educational Returns for Children of Immigrants: Evidence from Three Swedish Studies

“…Shared identities and norms of reciprocity within an ethnic group can facilitate access to valuable contacts. Migration is also often path dependent, meaning that established connections facilitate future movements and establishment (Kalter & Kogan 2014;Tilly 2005).…”

“…Research on access to social capital among immigrants and ethnic minorities is inconclusive. Many studies have found that immigrants and ethnic minorities have access to less social capital (Behtoui & Neergaard 2010;Lin 2000;Moren Cross & Lin 2008;Völker, Pinkster & Flap 2008). For example, using data from a British survey, Li, Savage & Warde (2008) found that members of ethnic minority groups, relative to the white British majority, had smaller circles of contacts, which resulted in less social capital.…”