EARLY MATTERS PODCAST: “How early childhood is the foundation of social capital.”

Early Matters September 27, 2023

PODCAST:
Katharine B. Stevens, Founder & CEO, Center on Child and Family Policy 
Chris Bullivant, Director, Social Capital Campaign

Social Capital Campaign Director Chris Bullivant talks with CCFP Founder & CEO Katharine B. Stevens about the importance of social capital to a thriving society in this latest Early Matters podcast.

In this episode, Stevens and Bullivant discuss the latest Social Capital Campaign report The Early Years. The report emphasizes the crucial role of early nurturing care in building social capital, arguing that the foundation of social capital is formed through children’s secure attachment established in the birth-to-three period.

In particular, Chris Bullivant emphasizes the need for promoting better public understanding of attachment theory and the profound role of parents’ nurturing care in infant and toddler development.

Key Takeaways

Social capital refers to the rich network of relationships between individuals, including family, friends, and community organizations.
Secure attachment developed in the early years forms the basic building block of social capital and is crucial for positive mental health, educational attainment, economic success, and the ability to form caring, loving relationships.

Policy ideas such as paid family leave, family hubs, and support for community organizations can help build social capital and support parents in the early years.
A public education campaign is needed to promote better understanding of attachment theory and the importance of early nurturing care for infants and toddlers.

LISTEN: Podcast is available on Spotify | CCFP Website