Social resources are divided into three forms of capital which are?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → Economic Capital, Cultural Capital, Social Capital

Note: The given answer is as per the official NTA Answer Key. However, Option (4) can also be considered correct, as explained below.

Option (1) Economic Capital, Cultural Capital, Social Capital — Correct as per NTA. Social resources are valued things such as money, property, education, health and power. Following Bourdieu, they are divided into three forms of capital: economic capital in the form of material assets and income; cultural capital such as educational qualifications and status; and social capital in the form of networks of contacts and social associations. One form can be converted into another: money (economic capital) can buy an expensive higher education, which is cultural capital.

Option (2) Cultural Capital, Educational Capital, Social Capital — Incorrect. It leaves out economic capital, the material assets and income. Educational qualifications are a part of cultural capital, not a separate form of capital.

Option (3) Socio-economic Capital, Educational Capital, Cultural Capital — Incorrect. There is no form called ‘socio-economic capital’, and the option leaves out social capital, the networks of contacts and associations that help a person get on in life.

Option (4) Economic Capital, Educational Capital, Social Capital — Can also be considered correct. It names economic capital and social capital, and in place of cultural capital it has educational capital, which is another name for it (educational qualifications are the main form of cultural capital). A person from a well-off family can afford expensive higher education and so can acquire cultural or educational capital.

NCERT (2025-26): “5.1 What Is Social About Social Inequality and Exclusion? … In every society, some people have a greater share of valued resources – money, property, education, health, and power – than others. These social resources can be divided into three forms of capital – economic capital in the form of material assets and income; cultural capital such as educational qualifications and status; and social capital in the form of networks of contacts and social associations (Bourdieu 1986). Often, these three forms of capital overlap and one can be converted into the other. For example, a person from a well-off family (economic capital) can afford expensive higher education, and so can acquire cultural or educational capital. Someone with influential relatives and friends (social capital) may – through access to good advice, recommendations or information – manage to get a well-paid job.…”