ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the scientific viability of the notion of social capital depends on the development of an approach that integrates theory and measurement of the concept. It illustrates the utility of the position-generator methodology with data from an island-wide survey of employed labor forces in Taiwan. The chapter examines how access to social capital is contingent on a number of structural positions and social contacts, as well as with specific relationships evoking such access. There are two methodologies commonly used to measure access to social capital: name generators and position generators. The position-generator methodology also sheds light on the debate concerning whether the extensity of social contacts or the strength of ties generates better access to social capital. The chapter concludes with the position-generator methodology has yielded consistent findings across a wide spectrum of societies, populations, and political economies.
