The “dark side” of social capital: How human capital influences elitism and exclusion

Abstract

A substantial amount of research has focused on micro-level individual demographic characteristics as predictors of exclusionary experiences, including discrimination. There have also been efforts to understand macro-level societal/cultural and organizational factors leading to discriminatory practices. However, the potential impact of meso-level relational phenomena on individuals’ experiences of discrimination and exclusion has not been thoroughly studied. Understanding how relational processes contribute to discriminatory practices, especially if they are ingrained as part of an organizational system, is critical for addressing and removing inequalities.