The goal of this article is to compare selected non-political factors affecting the implementation of democratic standards and structures. The first part presents concepts regarding the meaning of culture and economic development in the process of democratization. The definition of culture is presented within various research frameworks. An attempt is made to set/define a relationship between the phenomenon discussed and existing cultural and economic differences. The second part of this paper presents selected concepts of social capital with particular emphasis on Francis Fukuyama’s concept. An attempt is made to show an interaction between the process of democratization and social capital.