Racial bias and the failure to teach social capital literacy work together to limit economic mobility for underrepresented groups. Research from Opportunity Insights shows that cross-class interactions—where low-SES individuals connect with high-SES individuals—are among the strongest predictors of upward mobility. Yet, racial segregation and bias prevent these connections from forming, reinforcing the existing economic divide. High-SES individuals, consciously or unconsciously, are not sharing critical career and life opportunities with lower-income individuals. Without exposure to these networks, many people from marginalized communities remain cut off from the opportunities that could elevate their socioeconomic status.
Compounding this issue is the fact that parents, schools, and workforce programs rarely teach individuals how to recognize and build these networks. Without formal instruction, job seekers and students don’t realize they can tap into connections they already have or how to seek out new ones. This is where social capital literacy becomes critical.
At Social Capital Builders, we not only teach young adults and job seekers to build social capital, but we also train stakeholders through our Opportunity Guides initiative. This program helps industry professionals learn how to better share their knowledge and resources with underrepresented groups. By bridging these gaps and dismantling social silos, we create a more equitable environment where all individuals can access the social networks necessary for career success.
In short, addressing both racial bias and the knowledge gap around social capital can drastically increase upward mobility. It’s not just about recognizing the problem—it’s about equipping people with the tools to actively reshape their networks and the broader community. Through strategic social network analysis and social capital education, we can foster greater opportunity for all.
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Edward DeJesus – CEO