- When looking for a job, you are always required to put down references that will put in a good word about you and basically talk you up. Those people are part of your social capital. Also, if you know the right people in high enough places they could get you a job starting at a pretty decent position right away. In this scenario, starting off with a good salary increases your chances of staying away from the dollar menu and dining at better restaurants. Unfortunately the majority of the population do not know or have these types of capital so they have to go out and fight for what they get. There are people that are competing and scrapping for everything little thing they can to just help them and their families survive in today's society. According to CNN, in 2009 the poverty level was at 14.3% which meant that "43.6 million Americans in need is the highest number in 51 years of record-keeping" (CNN.com). "They also defined the poverty threshold level as less than $21,954 for a family of four in 2009 and $10,956 for an individual." How is a family of four suppose to live without making huge sacrifices on only around $22 thousand a year? These families need roofs over their heads, so a good portion of that money will most likely go towards housing/rent. Everyday electric, phone, water, and other bills take up some of that income. Children need clothing to stay warm, so some money goes there. Transportation, whether it be car or bus needs money everyday. Food for the family is essential to survive. There are lots of expenses that are a must in order to survive, but there are things within these products are sometimes just not up to par. For instance, the quality of the homes they stay in, clothes they wear, and food they eat may not be the best that is offered.
- Another reason why knowing the right people could lead you to better and healthier lifestyles is because of the way they lead their lives. If you have not noticed, people that tend to hang out the most and click well with each other usually have things in common with each other. It could be that they go to the same school, take the same classes, work at the same places, eat the same foods, drink at specific places, play the same sports, work out at the same gym, there are plenty of similarities and reasons why people get along with each other. The reason for this section is to recognize that people that take part in the same activities usually like to stay in the same groups. I like to put it as outdoor people vs. indoor people. There are those that like to do a majority of their activities outdoors and others like to do a majority of their activities indoors. I realize that there are lots that like to do both, but I am just generalizing right now and making things black or white. People that are more outdoorsy tend to receive more physical exercise because of the activities they enjoy doing. They could be playing sports, riding bikes, skateboarding, jogging, hiking, rafting, swimming, or just enjoying the fresh air on nice walks. However, there are also those that like to be indoors and take more pleasure staying inside playing games, watching TV/movies, surfing the net, napping, or doing whatever. Doing these activities do not really require much physical movement which equates to less exercise and probably less healthy lifestyles. Both of these lifestyles are linked to certain types of foods as well. Usually those that are more outdoorsy eat fruits and vegetables and other foods that will help energize their bodies so they can keep going when they get tired. The foods associated with those that stay inside all the time are usually snack/junk foods like chips, candy, soda, and other not so healthy choices. Now I am not saying that being one type of person is guaranteed to lead healthier lifestyles than the other, but from my personal experiences this is just what I have witnessed. In my opinion, finding a good balance between the two worlds is ideal. All I am saying is that no matter what activities you like to participate in, it could be anything, these people and social networks usually gravitate toward each other because people like to surround themselves with others that enjoy the same things. These are just a couple links that I found that help support my claim that leading outdoor lifestyles can be a healthier choice than staying indoors. One also mentions that starting at a younger age will transcend later in their lives and help them keep up those physical activities.
Social capital also refers to the resources that is available within your social networks combined with those people's willingness to help. This means that other's physical donations, charities, and help can be very beneficial to those in need. No matter what condition you are in, there is always room to help others in greater need. Some people are lucky enough to find these resources and others just need to be guided toward
