Community service in independent schools: Social capital, engagement and educational outcomes

Social capital has recently received a great deal of attention in international government circles. Despite difficulties in its operationalisation due to differences in definition and methodology, studies are being used to assist policy-makers in decisions aimed at maintaining social resources and high levels of social trust. Schools are recognised as a source of social capital. This paper provides an outline of social capital; its definitions and issues of methodology. It then considers the literature in areas where community service in schools has been studied, including volunteerism, service learning, extracurricular activities and civic engagement, based on fields of sociology, psychology and political science. The paper describes the nature of community service in schools.