Iranian Journal of Sociology

Abstract : The theory of social capital is re-emphasis on the role of community and society-based groups in sustainable development. In this paper we try to survey the role of artistic and cultural clubs at universities in reinforcement of social capital among students. We also study the effects of social capital on increasing civil norms and decreasing deviant behavior. Putnam's approach to social capital is theoretical framework of this study. According to this theory, relations network, social trust and social co-operation are the most important indicators of social capital. Research method is based on survey by using questionnaire technique. Although, the results show that social capital of Tehran University's student(as control group) and artistic and cultural activists of universities of city of Tehran is not higher than average level, but later group have more social capital than formers. Also, the results represent that whatever the level of social capital increase, civil behavior increase and deviant behavior decrease.