Measuring the social capital of professions: a study of dentists in Finland

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to introduce a two‐dimensional instrument for the measurement of the social capital of professions. On a general level, the social capital of a profession is defined as a source of power that allows a profession to further its goals and maintain its professional identity.

Design/methodology/approach

The measure is developed and tested by using data collected among Finnish dentists (N=1,302) in April 2012. The methods employed include confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), mean comparisons (ANOVA and t‐test) and OLS regression. Data analysis is guided by theories of social capital, especially the Putnamian tradition, and the literature on modern professions.

Findings

The first dimension of social capital is social cohesion, which consists of solidarity, trust, identification and commitment to professional ethical principles. The second dimension of social capital is network density, which includes both formal and informal professional networks. Social cohesion and network density are positively correlated. By conceptualizing social capital as an individual‐level attribute, this research shows that the employment of dentists across the public and private sectors increases the social capital of the profession.

Originality/value

Until now no tools have been available for the measurement of the social capital of professions. The article also sheds new light on the nature of modern professions, their associations and sources of power in contemporary societies.

Citation

Koivumäki, J. (2013), "Measuring the social capital of professions: a study of dentists in Finland", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 33 No. 7/8, pp. 491-508. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-10-2012-0092