The 'wicked problems' of social capital theory

The concept of social capital has been subject to ongoing challenges and often overlooked tensions, resulting in unresolved issues and contradictions. Despite criticism, the field of social capital research continues to grow, with scholars hoping that further empirical investigations will provide solutions. However, these investigations often lack strong conceptual foundations and fail to connect well with existing theories. The contested nature of social capital does not excuse poor scholarship, and precision in defining and articulating definitions, theoretical frameworks, and empirical referents is essential. Considering the complexities of social capital, it may be useful to view these problems through the lens of “wicked problems.” Although social capital’s conceptual and methodological challenges do not perfectly align with traditional wicked problems, adopting a wicked problem framework can help acknowledge the complexity without rendering the issues unresolvable. Wicked problems are distinct from ordinary difficulties because conventional processes cannot resolve them. Nine interrelated issues emerge as potential wicked problems within the conceptualisation of social capital and are explored in this article. While these problems are highly intertwined and subject to different theoretical perspectives, they collectively form a significant challenge in the field of social capital research. Further conceptual and empirical work may offer potential resolutions, but it is important to acknowledge and address these wicked problems to enhance our understanding of social capital and its implications for societies