An examination of social capital among U.S. Adults: Patterns that facilitate social well-being as measured by PIAAC

Communities thrive when individuals work together to share knowledge and resources. This phenomenon, social capital, is widely understood as the access and proficiency individuals have to knowledge and networks that facilitate acquisition of economic resources and social well-being (Putnam, 2000). This paper presents findings from data collected in the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) related to three elements of social capital. Community involvement, political efficacy, and social trust were explored as they relate to age, educational attainment, and time of residence in the United States. Key results include low levels of all social capital variables and differences by age and educational attainment. Findings add to the understanding of the ways in which sub-groups of U.S. communities engage with their social networks.