The influence of social capital on perceived social mobility: Empirical evidence

Abstract This study aims to investigate the influence of social capital on perceived social mobility (PSM) at the individual level. Although evidence exists regarding both the relationship between social capital and actual mobility and about the social capital's influence on individual perceptions, the literature lacks evidence on the possible behavioural aspects related to its influence on the perception of such mobility. Employing data from the seventh wave of the World Values Survey, representing citizens from 63 countries, this study shows that individuals’ social interactions in voluntary associations are significantly related to personal values, particularly the belief in meritocracy and the role of individual effort to obtain success. Consistently with prominent studies highlighting the potential heterogeneous effects of social capital on personal attitudes and behaviours, this research provides evidence that bridging social interactions positively influences the perception of a more mobile and meritocratic society, whereas volunteering in bonding groups may hamper PSM. The size of these effects may depend on the contextual framework because the externalities created by bridging social capital outweigh those of bonding in wealthier countries.