Social Capital and Out-of-School Issue: A Retrospective Review of Hanifan’s (1920) The Community Center

This article examines the lasting relevance of L. J. Hanifan’s (1920) foundational work, The Community Center, within the contemporary educational landscape of Cambodia. Pioneering the concept of social capital, Hanifan argues that the rural school must serve as a vibrant social hub to counteract isolation and foster community-led improvement. While originally written to address post-World War I social atrophy in the United States, Hanifan’s framework offers a compelling parallel for addressing the trust deficit and persistent educational disparities currently observed in developing countries like Cambodia, and particularly in the rural communities. By analyzing Hanifan’s strategic shift from viewing schools as mere infrastructure to community institutions, and apart from looking at the economic framework of the concept, this article particularly explores how the cultivation of social capital can drive sustainable reform amidst Cambodia’s ongoing decentralization efforts with regards to education. The review concludes that Hanifan’s insistence on interdependent collaboration of stakeholders remains a practical blueprint for addressing the persistent out-of-school crisis. Ultimately, this work serves as a timely reminder for policymakers and educational leaders that systemic improvement requires not only financial investment but also the strengthening of local neighborly habits and gaining social trust.