Which sociological concept refers to the support and opportunities facilitated by social connections?

The concept that refers to the support and opportunities facilitated by social connections is social networks. Social networks encompass the web of relationships and interactions among individuals, groups, and institutions. They play a critical role in how information, resources, and support are shared within a community.

In sociology, social networks illustrate how connections can provide benefits such as emotional support, job opportunities, and access to information that may not be available otherwise. People within a strong social network can leverage these connections to enhance their social capital, which can lead to various advantages in one's personal and professional life.

The other concepts, while important in sociology, do not specifically focus on the facilitative aspect of support and opportunity arising from relationships. Ethnicity relates to shared cultural practices and identity, class addresses social stratification and economic position, and gender pertains to the roles and expectations associated with being male or female. None of these directly capture the essence of how social connections provide support and opportunities like social networks do.