SNHU Agents of Change Podcast · SNHU Social Sciences

Season 3 Episode 7 Social Capital feat. Dr. Rick Mask

August 2, 2023·27 min·2 clips

Dr. Mast shares how being neurodivergent led him to social capital, a topic he says is in everything.

This episode explores the concept of social capital and its specific impact on online higher education. The host is Dr. Hector R. Garcia, and the guest is Dr. Ric Mast, the Senior Associate Dean of International Programs at SNHU and author of "Social Capital 2.0." Dr. Mast discovered social capital while researching his dissertation on supply chains and has since helped found the International Social Capital Association. Dr. Mast defines social capital as the value derived from positive connections between people, breaking it into three constructs: relational, cognitive, and structural capital. He argues social capital is a key, baked-in facet of the traditional college experience, crucial for building peer and mentor relationships. Online students may gain an advantage by mastering digital communication skills essential for the modern remote workforce. Dr. Mast shares a personal evolution, having once believed genuine connections required face-to-face contact before forming a meaningful friendship with Tristan Claridge from New Zealand entirely online. A significant insight is that social capital inherently involves diversity and inclusion, though it can be misused in systems like "good old boy" networks that hinder social mobility. Dr. Mast emphasizes that combating this requires a personal commitment to openness and examining one's own subconscious biases. He suggests biases are not inherently bad but are heuristics formed for self-protection that must be consciously questioned. The generational perspective is highlighted, noting that while millennials may see digital communication as an add-on, Gen Z are digital natives from whom others can learn. Dr. Mast advises students to intentionally talk to the person in a room they are least likely to approach to break preconceived notions. He notes that people often avoid initiating conversations with professors, missing valuable mentorship. The episode frames understanding social capital as a tool for personal and professional growth, encouraging listeners to be proactive in their relational journeys. The tone is conversational and educational, featuring a friendly interview between two academics exploring a conceptual framework with practical applications. The style is advisory, blending personal anecdote with scholarly concepts to make the topic accessible. This episode would greatly benefit online students, educators designing digital courses, and professionals interested in networking and inclusive practices. Listeners seeking highly technical research data or a debate on the concept's merits might find it less aligned with their interests.

As heard by us

A measured look at social capital in online education.

This episode treats social capital as part of online education, not as a slogan. Dr. Hector R. Garcia and Dr. Rick Mast stay focused on openness, reciprocity, and the digital habits that shape learning across generations, including what people can pick up from Gen Z and younger…

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