Social Capital, The Currency of Community - with Mario Small

Dr. Mario Luis Small grew up in Panama City, the son of an architect in a tight knit community of other families. He learned first-hand the way that spaces and social connections shape well-being and community.

In this episode of Shared Space, I talk with Mario, Grafstein Family Professor in the Department of Sociology at Harvard University, about how his early experiences shaped his future work and his discovery around the importance of social capital, trust and social ties in strengthening communities across the globe, and specifically the nature of architecture and urban design to shape connection.

Dr. Small has published award-winning articles, edited volumes, and books on topics such as social relationships, urban poverty, and the relationship between qualitative and quantitative methods. He has amazing books, from Villa Victoria to Unanticipated Gains, to his latest book, Someone To Talk To: How Networks Matter in Practice.

In this episode, we discuss...

• Introduction [0:30]
• A Place of Connection for Him Growing Up [02:56]
• What are Social Capital and Social Ties, and Why They are Important [05:47]
• Bridging versus Bonding Ties [07:57]
• How Social Ties Impact Our Health and Overall Well-being [09:25]
• Self-Care versus Caring for Others [14:43]
• How Nature of our Social Connections Changed During the Pandemic [18:08]
• Do Fewer Connections Mean Deeper Connections? [24:27]
• Places where He Feels the Environment Has Impacted the Connections of Communities [26:45]
• Networking of Mothers at Childcare Centers [31:20]
• How Things are Different for Communities of Lower Socioeconomic Status [32:54]
• What He Wishes Designers Would Consider When Designing for Social Connection [35:48]
• Closing Remarks [38:33]

Where to Find Dr. Mario Luis Small

Twitter: @MarioLuisSmall

Website: http://www.marioluissmall.com/

Resources Mentioned

Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection by John T. Cacioppo and William Patrick

About the Host

Erin is an architect and design researcher bridging the gap between research and practice with a focus on design for health. She believes in the power of places to heal, connect, and serve vulnerable people — from hospital patients and staff, to people struggling with social isolation and mental health challenges. Erin is driven by a commitment to help others and the joy of working together to solve complex problems with shared purpose.

Twitter: @erin_peavey; LinkedIn: Erin K. Peavey; Instagram: @design.for.health