Community Asset Mapping
The Social Capital Integrated Questionnaire (SC-IQ), developed by the World Bank, is the global academic standard for mapping social capital. It measures the multi-dimensional resources embedded within social networks, rather than focusing purely on individual psychology.
This dynamic profiling engine isolates four distinct indices: Structural Density (your objective group memberships), Bridging Diversity (the heterogeneity of your network), Cognitive Trust (your perception of societal reliability), and Collective Action (civic engagement and empowerment). By completing these 10 core questions, you will generate a baseline radar profile of your socio-economic network assets.
Question text goes here...
Academic Citation
Grootaert, C., Narayan, D., Nyhan Jones, V., & Woolcock, M. (2004). Measuring Social Capital: An Integrated Questionnaire. World Bank Working Paper No. 18. Washington, D.C.: World Bank. doi.org/10.1596/0-8213-5661-5
The Architecture of Social Capital: SC-IQ Framework
The World Bank's Social Capital Assessment Tool (SOCAT), specifically its core SC-IQ module, represents a paradigm shift in how economists and sociologists measure communal resilience. Unlike traditional psychological assessments that evaluate individual distress, this instrument maps the invisible socio-economic infrastructure that enables communities to function, share information, and overcome systemic poverty.
Structural vs. Cognitive Social Capital
A central theoretical pillar of the SC-IQ is the distinction between what people do and what people feel.
Structural Social Capital refers to objective, observable behaviors. It is quantified by the density of a person's networks, the number of organizations they belong to, and their active participation in formal associations. It represents the literal infrastructure of social connectivity.
Cognitive Social Capital, conversely, represents the subjective and intangible assets of a community. It measures generalized trust, shared values, and the expectation of reciprocity. High structural capital without cognitive trust often leads to transactional, fragile networks, whereas the combination of both fosters deep, resilient community empowerment.
Bonding, Bridging, and Linking Networks
The SC-IQ engine specifically evaluates the topological nature of your social ties:
- Bonding Capital: Horizontal ties between individuals with similar demographic profiles (same religion, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status). While excellent for daily emotional support, excessive bonding without bridging can lead to insular communities.
- Bridging Capital: Horizontal ties that cross demographic divides. This is measured by the "Diversity Index" in the tool. High bridging capital is critical for accessing new information, finding employment, and fostering broad social cohesion.
- Linking Capital: Vertical ties connecting individuals to people in positions of formal authority or power, such as local government officials. Weak linking capital often indicates systemic marginalization or a disconnect from resource-allocation mechanisms.
| Feature | World Bank SOCAT (SC-IQ) | MSPSS (Perceived Support) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | Measures "Network Resources" and civic institutional trust. | Measures the "Emotional Shield" provided by family/friends. |
| Level of Analysis | Macro/Meso (Community dynamics, state relations, civic groups). | Micro (Strictly personal and individual psychological safety). |
| Target Benefit | Economic empowerment, resource management, poverty reduction. | Psychological well-being, depression reduction, trauma recovery. |
| Collective Action | A primary engine metric (e.g., volunteering for communal benefit). | Not measured (irrelevant to the specific psychological construct). |