An Analysis of Social Capital in Educational Literature: A Critical Synthesis

Abstract

The focus of the review is on educational literature that studies social capital and educational performance. After outlining the theoretical background, next, the study undertakes a critical review of the literature by first examining gaps in literature, trends in conceptualization, method and then assessing empirical support for claims that linked between social capital and education performance. A total of 25 (2000-2019) studies were identified and examined. The sample size, education performance variables, social capital variables, statistical methods, and the main findings of the researchers. Results were mixed and varied, ranging from positive to negative and in some cases with no result. The inconsistency is due to the absence of a clear framework that explains what constitutes social capital and how to determine its outcome. With this end in view, based on the main concepts, the study attempts to develop a research model that describes the relationship