Social capital and gender inequality among rural elderly in Bangladesh: A micro-survey perspective

Abstract

This paper explored the dynamics of gender inequality among the elderly, particularly in the context of social capital. A cross-sectional survey is employed targeting individuals aged 60 and above in rural areas of Bangladesh. Initially, one union (Tentulia Union) in Manda Upazila was selected, followed by five wards from that union using a simple random sampling method. Subsequently, data were collected from 404 elderly individuals in the selected wards using probability proportion to size (PPS) sampling. Findings show that females are more likely to experience weaker social capital compared to their male counterparts. This gender disparity in social capital has significant implications for the well-being of elderly women. Weak social capital can lead to increased feelings of loneliness, social isolation, and a lack of access to social support, all of which are critical factors in the mental and physical health of the elderly population. Therefore, addressing gender inequality in social capital among the elderly is crucial for promoting equitable aging and enhancing the overall quality of life for the elderly.