Donate RSA Journal+
Become a Fellow today
Donate

Social connections

results
Comment

Female Fellows: cultivating social capital

What if everyone had access to the social connections they need to thrive? This International Women’s Day, and Women’s History Month, the RSA US team has invited female-identifying Fellows to explore how social capital, social connections, and building community, intersect with their work.
27 Mar 2025 Emily Weiner FRSA
A group of people sitting in a circle places their hands together in the center, symbolizing social connection. Their hands vary in skin tone and have different accessories and tattoos, representing unity and diversity.
Feature

Trust fall

Technology has enabled our retreat into homebound lives of frictionless convenience – but at what cost? Trust expert Rachel Botsman says it’s time to get up and get out
26 Mar 2025 Rachel Botsman
Silhouetted figures are falling toward a glowing smartphone lying flat on a surface. The phone emits colorful beams of light, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The background is a dark gradient, adding a sense of depth and mystery.
Feature

Capital gains

For Raj Chetty – Harvard Professor and recipient of the RSA’s Benjamin Franklin Medal in 2024 – social capital is the bedrock of economic mobility. So how can we revive it?
26 Mar 2025 Helen Lock
Illustration with diverse artistic elements: a curious person looking out a window, another drawing a brain, colorful shapes, and a round inset of someone reading. The light pink background is adorned with scattered abstract designs that spark curiosity.
Blog

Patron’s Lecture: the I/We/I century

Social capital was the theme of the 2025 RSA Patron’s Lecture where Robert Putnam discussed the impact of the decline in social connections.
25 Mar 2025 Mike Thatcher
A panel of four people sits on a stage in front of an audience. Behind them, a large screen shows a video of an elderly man, reminiscent of Robert Putnam. The event unfolds in a hall adorned with elaborate wall paintings and an "RSA" sign, exploring themes of social capital.

Global Action Learning Network

Our Global Action Learning Network connects practitioners to grow the social capital field by sharing insights, improving best practices, and fostering collaboration.
A diverse group of people engaged in conversation at an indoor networking event. Some are holding drinks, and one person is using a tablet. The setting is modern with large windows and plants.

Connected Places

Connected Places is a practical and data-led approach to understanding and building social connections and economic mobility.
A blurred overhead view of a busy city street with numerous people walking in various directions. The movement creates a dynamic, bustling atmosphere, with colorful clothing and motion trails enhancing the sense of speed and activity.

Mapping Social Capital

Our Mapping Social Capital work looked at six billion UK Facebook friendships to see how connected people are across income levels.
A smiling woman holds out a cup of coffee in a café, with two others in the background. The café has a casual atmosphere, with shelves holding glasses and containers, and a menu board visible.
Comment

Female Fellows: building bridges

What if everyone had access to the social connections they need to thrive? This International Women’s Day, and Women’s History Month, the RSA US team has invited female-identifying Fellows to explore how social capital, social connections, and building community, intersect with their work.
20 Mar 2025 Lesley-Anne Long FRSA
A group of four people sits around a table, enjoying a meal together. One person is smiling while passing a plate of food. The table is set with various dishes and glasses of drinks, creating a warm atmosphere where social connections thrive.
Comment

Female Fellows: shaping stories and amplifying voices

What if everyone had access to the social connections they need to thrive? This International Women’s Day, and Women’s History Month, the RSA US team has invited female-identifying Fellows to explore how social capital, social connections, and building community, intersect with their work.
18 Mar 2025 Christabel Nsiah-Buadi FRSA
Two women sit and talk into microphones set on stands in front of them, building social connections. They are inside a room with a white brick wall. One woman gestures as she speaks, while the other listens with a smile. Both are casually dressed.
Fellowship events

Fellows Festival 2025 Tokyo

The Tokyo event of Fellows Festival 2025 will explore the theme of connection through leisure.
21 May 2025 Impact Hub Tokyo, 2-11-3 Insatsu Kojo 1st floor, Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0063
Image of Tokyo, Japan