Social capital transformation and social control: what can we learn from the changing style in communication between religious communities and the police during COVID-19

Abstract

ABSTRACT Close-knit religious groups have a long history of relying on brokers to facilitate the connection with the state. Police agencies also often rely on brokers to provide a reliable channel of communication with the community, assist in maintaining public order, and increase police legitimacy. COVID-19 provides an invaluable opportunity for real-time examination of brokering style as well as changes in brokering paradigms between the police and a highly religious community (Haredim in Israel) during times of crisis, focusing on law enforcement and public health (LEPH). Using the framework of social capital and brokerage, this study identifies three types of brokers: Gatekeepers (Classic/Diasporic); Liaisons (Good Samaritans); and Representatives (Professionals). Under the conditions of a pandemic, the latter strengthened their influence at the expense of the first two types, because they were perceived as more reliable and having higher integrity. This study suggests that social capital is dynamic and may transform under certain circumstances, and that religious constraints may leverage social capital’s adverse effects under the pressure of crisis.