Growing up, I loved watching my mom go bowling in her weekly women’s bowling league. It wasn’t just a game; it was her community. She had her bowling outfit, her special shoes, and that amazing crimson bowling ball. It was a powerful thing to see these women together, strong and supportive, projecting a ball and smashing it into ten pins while slamming down Fresca and applauding each other in their victory dances.
These women knew that while their separate scores were important, it was about the group score. They watched their team move up the brackets in the league. Their social capital, the community they established among themselves for support (like childcare, small money gifts and loans, a listening ear, borrowed clothing, and more), was high. Cooperation and strong social structures in their case led to greater success and a group trophy.