Q80 · UPSC Prelims 2019 · Set A · Polity and Governance

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In the context of any country,which one of the following would be considered as part of its social capital?

A The proportion of literates in the population
B The stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines
C The size of population in the working are group
D The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society

Correct answer: (d) The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society

Explanation

  1. A

    The proportion of literates in the population

    (a) The proportion of literates is human capital (skills and knowledge), not social capital. Not the key.

  2. B

    The stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines

    (b) Buildings, infrastructure and machines are physical capital. Not the key.

  3. C

    The size of population in the working are group

    (c) The size of the working-age population is a demographic/labour-force stock, not social capital. Not the key.

  4. D

    The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society

    (d) Mutual trust and harmony in society is the textbook core of social capital — networks, norms and trust that make cooperation possible. That is the official key.

Summary. Official key is (d). Social capital is trust, norms and networks. Literacy is human capital; factories and roads are physical capital; working-age numbers are demography. Honour (d).