In this episode of Jargon Schmargon, we explore the term social capital. This includes a brief discussion of bridging and bonding social capital and the kinds of social capital that are typically found in relationships formed within online games. 

As defined by Bourdieu & Wacquant, social capital is “the sum of the resources, actual or virtual, that accrue to an individual or group by virtue of possessing a durable network of more or less institutionalized relationships of mutual acquaintance and recognition” (p. 14).

The particular resource that can be gained vary across social relationships but it can include intellectual resources (new information), social and emotional resources (social and emotional support) and/or physical resources (tangible favors).
Social capital is important as the successful acquisition of social capital has been linked to a range of positive outcomes including career success, increased life satisfaction, and general physical and psychological well being.