Social Capital (blog post 5)
Regarding my thoughts about social capital, I thought it would be best to start with how I define or understand it and go from there. So, when I hear or think of social capital, I think of a network system. One that is filled with relationships and social connections which can turn into trust and support. Social Capital offers value in both personal aspects and professional progression. Typically, if an individual has a large social capital, they have large followers, for great or questionable reasons, display desirable values, and are successful. Really, social capital is a resource, a tool to be utilized when there is something to gain, something that might offer mutual benefits.
An example of someone with a lot of social capital is Oprah Winfrey. She is a household name and has built a very vast network of relationships throughout her work efforts and career efforts. She was once a local news anchor, slowly building a name for herself, to earn the role of a global media tycoon. Oprah is best known for her talk show “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which is no longer airing but saw great success for 25 years. She also has worn the hats of an actress, a television producer, a media proprietor, a philanthropist, and an author. (Wikipedia) She was able to accumulate this social capital through connections from her early days, as well as her charism. Oprah connects with people; she builds and maintains trusting relationships, and these have helped her reach some of her successes.
In this specific case, Oprah offers public authenticity and relatability on her show and in the media. This has obviously allowed her to be able to better connect with a diverse audience, especially those who fall within the demographics of identifying as a woman and as a black individual. Through her effective communication style, she has connected with such a broad audience, as I mentioned. I personally have never heard anyone say anything negative about her in my day-to-day life and I think through this positive perception and powerful character that she presents.
Many individuals who maintain a strong sense of social capital have a history of giving back, donating their riches to charities and that sort of thing, but no one, and I mean no one, has as large a reputation of generosity as her. Oprah’s philanthropic actions and efforts have helped her draw in a vast array of individuals, groups, and organizations, thanks to her generosity. She was once the world’s only black billionaire and given the nickname the “Queen of All Media” as she was the richest African American, man or woman, of the 20th century. (Wikipedia) She has always used her profits and resources to make positive impacts and this intentionality and open-handedness have strengthened her social capital.
I think that her sharing of personal stories and experiences, her generosity, her openness to support and promote others, and her ability to inspire large and diverse groups of people, just to mention a few, all combine to help Oprah establish reciprocity with her audience. She has been fostering and growing relationships within her network, as well as without, that have aided her in building a large following and audience and with that, a strong social capital.
