This paper first seeks to organize the ideas and initiatives that have defined the emerging social capital markets space, providing needed clarity in a young, complex field. It second aims to help focus future research and praxis on efforts that build on the significant body of existing work without unduly re-treading well-worn analytical paths.

This study begins by presenting fundamental concepts of markets, capital markets, and social capital markets in order to offer a baseline framework that will project and facilitate this inquiry. Based on this framework, the paper then explores specific aspects and issues related to the social capital market discourse, including highlights of select initiatives underway in early 2007 that seek to improve the functioning of this market. The inquiry concludes by framing several research and action steps to help advance the common interests of those concerned with this work.