ABSTRACT
If effective inter/professional working is to develop between those who work with children and young people in various educational and care contexts, then some sort of shared ‘theory’ is needed. Theory here is taken to mean a rationale that is assented to by the different professionals involved in such working together, and a felt awareness of the attitudes, values and constraints that operate within their different contexts. Social capital theory offers one perspective but is a concept which is under-researched (if often cited) in professional contexts. In these overlapping and sensitive areas of professional life, social capital theory might provide at least a framework for thinking about the social issues of poverty and alienation that often bring teachers and social workers (for example) together.
