Abstract
Literature has highly emphasized the importance of social capital on health and mental health. This study aimed to identify the patterns of the structures and relations of social capital among refugee populations through a systematic review so as to promote their health by fostering the growth of their social capital in their resettlement countries. A total of 1,476 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, reports, theses, dissertations, and commentaries, related to refugees' social capital building were thoroughly reviewed. Thirty-seven articles were included in the final theme analysis. Information was organized based on the three categories: bonding capital, bridge capital, and linking capital. Findings indicated that refugees in their resettlement countries commonly relied on religious practice, their ethnic organizations, school/workplaces, social and sports events, and social media to develop all three categories of social capital. Additionally, they built both their bonding and bridging capital through family, neighbors, and friends. They were further linked to a broader spectrum through both government and non-government organizations, and transnational network. Literature also revealed barriers that refugees encountered in capital building. The needs of both a policy change and research in identifying more effective and innovative strategies of helping refugees in social integration should be addressed.
Highlights
The concept of social capital has evolved and been defined by many scholars throughout the years
The present study aimed to identify the patterns of the structures and relations of social capital among refugee populations through a systematic review so as to promote their health by fostering the growth of their social capital in their resettlement countries
“Fear of police and other authorities is a major barrier” to developing social links with government, because of their previous persecution and torture experiences [61].Other barriers that hindered refugees from widening their social capital and networks include gender inequities led to the differences in the content and structure of social network between male and female refugees [43]; inadequate information and access to services limited the opportunities for refugees to reach out and be connected [61, 63, 65]; family conflicts resulted from refugees experiencing all the pre-migration, migration, and post-migration stress and traumas, led to the fragile kinships [56, 66]; low self-esteem led to the hesitation to communicate [60]; Shame of asking for help led to the isolation and loneliness [36]
Summary
The concept of social capital has evolved and been defined by many scholars throughout the years. It was described as the glue to hold individuals and a community together, which includes the relations and structures within a community, such as trust, attitudes, norms of reciprocity, expectations, civic engagement, community cohesion, sense of belonging, and networks. It facilitates the coordination and collaboration among individuals and social organizations and improves the efficiency of the functions of a society [1,2,3,4]. It improves individuals/communities’ access to health relevant information; provides individuals/communities with informal healthcare and support in case of illness; and improves the effectiveness of health advocacy through well-organized and connected groups [1]
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