Social Capital Development Research Articles

School Transportation as Social Capital: Suburban School Leaders at the Wheel of Equitable Access

The roots of opportunity gaps in suburban schools often lie hidden in widely-accepted operational practices. Despite the importance of the informal curriculum to social capital development, suburban leaders sometimes underestimate how transportation restrictions can bar access to resources that are critical to advancing their Black, Brown, and lower-income students. This case illuminates how racism, classism, and housing segregation worked synergistically to create marginalizing transportation conditions in a majority-White suburban high school, and how the social-emotional impact ultimately led to the exclusionary discipline of two students. It addresses how race-neutral policies and deficit cultures contribute to unjust treatment of minoritized students, and underscores the need for suburban leaders to become racially literate and advocate for practices that ensure equitable access to capital-building resources for every student.

Assessing coastal community resilience to climate change in Central Vietnam through the Climate Disaster Resilience Index (CDRI)

Abstract This study investigates the climate resilience of coastal communities in Vietnam's Nghe An province, a region highly exposed due to its extensive coastline and dense population. Employing the Climate Disaster Resilience Index (CDRI), the research assesses the resilience of three districts — Quynh Luu, Dien Chau, and Nghi Loc — to climate-induced disasters. The analysis reveals good to high overall resilience across five dimensions (physical, social, economic, institutional, and natural). Dien Chau boasts the highest score (4.06), followed by Quynh Luu (4.04), and Nghi Loc (4.01). While strong infrastructure and essential services contribute to high physical resilience, social capital development requires further attention. Economic resilience is bolstered by employment rates, but income and asset accumulation need improvement. Effective policies and disaster risk management strategies highlight strong institutional resilience. Natural resource management demonstrates adaptability, but land-use planning warrants enhancement. This study underscores the districts' good preparedness for climate challenges while pinpointing areas for improvement across all CDRI dimensions. By addressing these vulnerabilities, Nghe An's coastal communities can further strengthen their resilience.

Going straight home? Housing stability and post-prison reoffending in Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT International research has found that post-release stable accommodation is associated with reduced recidivism, however, research exploring this relationship in Aotearoa New Zealand and its potential causal nature is limited. Drawing on quantitative pre- and post-release interviews with people released from prison in Aotearoa New Zealand, this article examines their housing situations and the relationship between two measures of recidivism (re-sentencing and re-imprisonment) and two measures of housing stability (stable housing and residential mobility). Whilst stable housing is associated with a reduced risk of re-imprisonment, after controlling for confounding variables using inverse probability of treatment weighting, a direct causal relationship between housing stability and recidivism could not be found. We conclude that housing stability is therefore likely to be indicative of broader stability post-release and supports other factors related to successful reintegration, including the development of social capital.

Social Capital and Economic Development of the Miduana Indigenous Village Community

Social Capital and Economic Development of the Miduana Indigenous Village Community

Mousque Cleaning Program in Improving Social Capital Development

When the Prophet sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam migrated to Medina, the first step he took was to build a mosque which served as the main focus of the Muslim community at that time. The mosque, which is the center of the revival of the people, must be kept clean and pure. This study aims to describe the mosque's cleaning program in building social capital. Researchers limit this research to social capital by using descriptive qualitative research methods. In this case the researcher obtained data by interviews and documentation.

Tejiendo el futuro sostenible de la mano del capital social: Un enfoque desde la participación comunitaria

The research sought to analyze the relationship between social capital and sustainable development in the context of rural agricultural producers considering the interacting factors. The methodology was quantitative, under a non-experimental cross-sectional design, the sample is 40 agricultural producers to whom the instrument called Trust Index questionnaire was applied. The study identified the categories credibility, respect, impartiality, pride and camaraderie as notable elements in the substrate of the organizational fabric; where producers play a relevant role in local development processes. The research concludes that sustainable development in rural areas requires adequate intra- and inter-organizational collaborative relationships and that public policies and private interventions must allocate budgets to the promotion of efficient associations with a high organizational climate.

Community-led vs. subsidised housing. Lessons from informal settlements in Durban

Rapid urbanization, poverty and socio-economic inequalities are causes of the backlog of informal settlements in South Africa, as dwellers cannot access formal housing schemes. Such unplanned settlements often need more basic services, social facilities and adequate housing. Nevertheless, informal settlements are core parts of the urban form rather than places for eradication. This article examines self-building and community-led upgrading practices in three case studies of partially and non-serviced informal settlements in Durban. It adopts action research participatory methods to coproduce knowledge and map various perspectives around community-led housing upgrading, building materials and construction skills in an effort to enhance community resilience and self-reliance. The findings reveal the key drivers and challenges associated with self-building, informal procurement and overall project management of the housing process. Successful grassroots practices demonstrate community ownership and dweller control beyond the physical upgrading per se. The lessons learned call for inclusive, participatory, and incremental approaches for effective community organization, self-reliance, social capital and livelihood development.

ESG-трансформация российских регионов: теоретические аспекты

The paper considers the theoretical aspects of sustainable development and ESG transformation of Russian regions. The research substantiates a systematic approach to the balanced development of regions as socio-ecological and economic systems. The concept of sustainable development and regional ESG transformation correlates to the concept of regional economic security, economic growth, human and social capital development. In our opinion, a systematic reproductive approach is the most productive in solving many problems of regional socio-economic development. Moreover, it could consider the following issues of regional ESG transformation: a six-stage scheme of social reproduction: «science – production – distribution – exchange – consumption – utilization»; natural-economic-institutional-social reproduction chain. One of the aspects of the reproductive approach is the concept of sustainable development and the ESG agenda. However, in terms of economic theory and philosophy, four types of «transformational connections» can be distinguished: interaction, relationships, institutions, and management decisions. The regional sustainable development, the achievement of high indicators of its socio-economic development is presented as a balanced interaction of three components: economy, social sphere, and ecology. Russian scientists consider regional ESG transformation in terms of economic security, regional economic growth, and increasing its attractiveness, development of technological potential, improvement of the institutional environment, and competencies of managers at all levels in the field of sustainable development and ESG.

Social Capital and Economic Development in a Large and Multi-Ethnic Developing Country: Evidence from Indonesia

The role of social capital in economic development has been a subject of interest to both academics and practitioners of development for several decades. However, empirical evidence on social capital in the context of developing countries is still relatively scant. This study explores the effects of social capital on economic development in Indonesia, a large and multi-ethnic developing country. Using district-level data for 2006–2019, we find that the relationships between social capital and economic development are complex. There are both favorable and unfavorable effects of social capital on economic development, as well as nonlinear effects. Hence, we cannot draw unequivocal conclusions on the benefits or disadvantages of social capital for economic development. Nevertheless, this study finds that trust among people across different ethnic groups, participation in communal works and social activities, and trust in government are the most important forms of social capital needed to improve people’s welfare.

Research on the Socio-Spatial Resilience Evaluation and Evolution of the Central Area of Beijing in Transitional China

In recent decades, the increasing threats of global climate change, natural disasters, and epidemics have brought extensive attention to resilience theory. However, most studies focus on the physical aspects of cities, overlooking the significance of the social perspective. This study addresses this gap by using social areas as the core spatial unit for analysis. By constructing a scientific indicator system and employing the set pair analysis method, this study comprehensively evaluates the multidimensional resilience levels of Beijing’s central area during its transitional period (1990–2020). The findings reveal that socio-spatial divisions, which emphasize the network structure of social relations and the dynamic changes in social spaces, are more suitable than traditional administrative divisions as fundamental units for resilience assessment. During Beijing’s transitional period, the comprehensive resilience of the central area and all social areas steadily increased, although social capital resilience faced the challenges of loss and slow recovery. Social areas with a unique internal connection, such as those based on ethnicity, exhibited more positive social capital resilience development. Additionally, social areas with lower population diversity and greater homogeneity tended to have higher comprehensive resilience and a more positive trend in social capital resilience development, whereas highly heterogeneous social areas faced significant constraints in resilience development. These findings may provide valuable insights for cities and communities to enhance their capacity to address future uncertainties and assist policymakers in making informed governance decisions.

Participatory governance for the temporary use of urban abandoned areas. A socio-spatial approach to the “Old Hospital” area in Alexandroupolis, Greece

The reuse of urban abandoned areas, which is constantly increasing, is necessary for urban sustainable development. This paper seeks to examine whether temporary use adopting participatory processes is an appropriate tool for the reuse of urban abandoned areas, while studying the implications for social capital by taking advantage of the social dynamics of space, reinforcing sustainable urban development. We focus on the case of the “Old Hospital” of Alexandroupolis, in Greece, a long-term abandoned area in the inner city. Adopting a socio-spatial perspective through the approach of Lefebvre and Remy, it highlights that temporary use of urban abandoned areas strengthens the socio-spatial dynamics, in conjunction with the logics of space production and appropriation, spatial practices, representations of space and representational spaces. The qualitative survey with local government and stakeholders shows how the production of space applies “top-down” governance and captures visionary scenarios of reuse via temporary use. The quantitative survey with locals identifies weak social capital, which poses obstacles to urban development and community's acceptance of the reuse scenarios. We suggest new logics of space production, through participatory governance for the temporary use of the urban abandoned areas that could enhance social capital and sustainable development, exploiting the social dynamics.

The importance of stable housing in social capital development and utilisation: how homelessness undermines reciprocity, recognition, and autonomy

Social capital is recognised as an important resource for people experiencing poverty, yet conceptualisations of its relationship to homelessness are underdeveloped. Some studies show that social capital can protect against the risk of homelessness, whilst others show that reliance on social capital by people already experiencing homelessness rarely enables them to exit homelessness and can in fact render them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Building on these insights, we develop a framework for conceptualising the relationship between stable housing and social capital. Drawing on analysis of qualitative interviews with people experiencing homelessness in London, we demonstrate how, in the absence of stable housing, people experiencing homelessness lack key conditions that enable the accumulation and effective use of social capital. These include the ability to practice reciprocity, achieve recognition, and exercise autonomy in social relationships. We conclude that stable housing is a precondition for utilising social capital to ameliorate, rather than exacerbate, vulnerability, lending further evidence to support Housing First policies.

Navigating social capital development through organisational citizenship behaviour in local government bureaucracy

Navigating social capital development through organisational citizenship behaviour in local government bureaucracy

Social capital development in online education and its impact on academic performance and satisfaction

PurposeThe first objective is to investigate and determine the social capital development of students in online education. The second objective is to analyze the influence of social capital on students’ academic success and educational satisfaction. The third objective is to generate recommendations to foster social capital development.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research approach is employed, with 264 respondents comprising students from colleges and universities in Malaysia. The data gathering instrument is an online questionnaire administered with the informed consent of participants. Data analysis is performed using structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe results show that the faculty capital and peer capital components of social capital have not been compromised in online education, but the family capital component has declined. As such, it is concluded that there is a general decline in overall social capital in online education. These findings form the basis for recommendations on promoting social capital development among students in colleges and universities internationally.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focused on study periods during the COVID-19 pandemic where online learning and communication were strictly enforced, providing a unique opportunity to explore how students adapted their social capital development. However, this is not meant to be a representation of scenarios where students are given the option of either physical or online education or a combination of both.Practical implicationsAcademic and institutional management implications are evident, and recommendations are made based on the findings.Social implicationsThe findings and subsequent recommendations have considerable social implications in terms of social sustainability of education practices and policies.Originality/valueThe COVID-19 pandemic that started in March 2020 and subsequent prolonged periods of physical lockdowns in many countries have forced colleges and universities that customarily practice classroom education to shift to online education temporarily. This situation created a novel “natural experiment” when classes or programs from the same college or university that are customarily conducted in classrooms (in person) were conducted online during the pandemic, thus contributing to the originality of the findings.

Intertwining entrepreneurial motivation and the global mindset: a look into entrepreneurial profiles and business outcomes

PurposeThis article explores the connections between the entrepreneur's global mindset and entrepreneurial motivation in the quest for determining the underlying relationships among these constructs. The aim of the study resides in the advancement of various entrepreneurial profiles which imply specific configurations of the global mindset and motivational drivers, by also covering their correlations with the business outcomes.Design/methodology/approachData were collected in 2022 from over 100 entrepreneurs operating in the Romanian SMEs sector, using a questionnaire-based survey.FindingsThe results posit that at least three statistically relevant clusters can be observed in the studied population, stemming from the particularities of the entrepreneurs' global mindset. The findings reveal that the levels of development of the entrepreneur's social capital, psychological capital and intellectual capital are linked to different entrepreneurial motivations and impact the company in specific manners.Practical implicationsThe research offers useful cues to the entrepreneurs for identifying prospective partners for their local or cross-border operations.Originality/valueThe results foster a new topical framework for discussion on the motivational configurations of entrepreneurs and the global mindset.

Impacts of Social Capital, Financial Literacy and Financial Inclusion on Economic Growth of a Primary Data Analysis: Evidence from Pakistan Special Focus on Listed Banks

This research study which is quantitative in nature, investigates the inter-relation between social capital, financial inclusion, financial literacy, and sustainable development in Pakistan. Data was gathered by running surveys on a diverse group of basic units of Pakistan which was further analyzed utilizing complicated statistical methods like regression modeling. The research stresses on the paramount role of Financial Inclusion among other Sustainable Development goals, with many existing academic literatures strongly stating its ability to create economic stability as well as reducing poverty. Pakistan also gets praised for its efforts to offer financial services, specifically to the deprived and disadvantaged, as one of the critical steps towards the fulfilment of the sustainable development goals. Accordingly, the study pinpoints a role of Financial Literacy in making Sustainable Development as there is a direct relationship between financial literacy and economic welfare. This reveals the urgent need for financial education programs that will help individuals to take better financial decisions based on facts. In addition, although Social Capital is one of the major factors, the respondents consider it less important than Financial Inclusion and Financial Literacy. However, that social capital is generated by community participation is acknowledged as fundamental to the development of collective action and social integration thereby enhancing developmental efforts. In general, this research provides important information on the relationship between Social Capital, Financial Inclusion, Financial Literacy, and Sustainable Development, and promotes integrated approaches that will ensure access to financial services, improve financial literacy, and increase social capital to create inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development paths in Pakistan.

ANALISIS PERAN MODAL SOSIAL DALAM PENGEMBANGAN AGRIBISNIS SAYURAN DATARAN TINGGI DI KABUPATEN GOWA

This research aims to analyze the role of social capital inupland vegetable farming development in Gowa Regency. Social capital isdefined as a set of values, norms, beliefs, and relationships that exist withina community that can help them achieve common goals. The researchmethod used is a qualitative method with a case study approach. Datacollection techniques were carried out through observation, interviews, andFocus Group Discussions (FGD) with upland vegetable farmers, farmergroups, and related institutions. The research results show that socialcapital plays an important role in the development of upland vegetablefarming in Gowa Regency. Strong social capital can encourage cooperationand coordination between farmers, farmer groups, and related institutionsin various aspects, such as providing infrastructure, training and extension,and marketing of agricultural products. Social capital can also encouragea spirit of mutual help and cooperation among community members inbuilding infrastructure, overcoming plant pests and diseases, and helpingfarmers who are experiencing difficulties. Trust and honesty that are builtwithin a community with strong social capital can also help to facilitatesales transactions, form savings and loan groups, and maintainenvironmental sustainability.

Mothers, social capital and children’s physical literacy journeys in rural Australia

ABSTRACT In rural communities in Australia, the provision of sport and physical activities for children almost exclusively relies upon parents and their ability to access and contribute to facilities, funding, volunteers, and administration. This paper brings Putnam’s social capital framework to Whitehead’s conceptualisation of physical literacy as a journey to offer original insight into children’s sport participation and the opportunities arising for physical literacy development in rural communities in Australia. Changes in sport participation in Australia and directions in sport policy set an important context for the project, which is located in a small rural community in Western Australia. It was recognised that access to and engagement with both formal and informal sport environments were important to examine, particularly given participation trends and the need to consider issues of equity and inclusivity concerning the physical literacy opportunities for children in diverse rural communities. Narrative inquiry methodology enabled in-depth exploration of issues of access and opportunity created through rural mothers’ social resources and identity. Participants provided rich insights into the realities and complexities of the rural social landscape and how this impacts their children’s participation. Data illustrates the importance of conceptual links between social capital and physical literacy development. The paper provides new perspectives for policymakers and the local community to consider in seeking more significant equity in children’s sport participation and physical literacy development in rural communities.

Transforming communities: Analyzing the effects of infrastructure and tourism development on social capital, livelihoods, and resilience in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

This study explores the dynamic relationship between social capital, livelihoods, and tourism development in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, focusing on the indigenous social capital influenced by cultural perspectives. Given the rapid infrastructure and tourism developments in Gilgit-Baltistan, understanding their profound impacts on local communities is crucial, as these changes pose unique challenges and offer unprecedented opportunities for sustainable development. It particularly assesses the effects of infrastructure developments, such as the Karakoram Highway and the Belt and Road Initiative, from 1978 to 2022. Through non-probabilistic sampling and contextual textual analysis, this qualitative research investigates how these developments transform community social capital, affect livelihoods and resilience, and alter community perceptions and adaptations. The findings highlight transformative impacts on livelihoods and community dynamics, intensified by international and domestic tourism and infrastructure growth. These transformations lead to challenges like cultural commodification and authenticity issues, with unregulated tourism growth straining local infrastructure and exacerbating sustainability challenges—evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study underscores the critical interplay between infrastructure, tourism, and community resilience, advocating for regulated development to balance economic growth with cultural and environmental preservation. Contributing significant theoretical insights and practical guidelines, the research stresses managing the pace and mechanisms of tourism development to maintain the resilience and sustainability of these isolated communities while outlining future research directions on vulnerabilities and resilience strategies in remote tourism areas.

Social Capital and Community Development

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the concept of social capital and its role in promoting community development and resilience, with a focus on practical interventions and policy implications. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to social capital and community development. In this study on social capital and community development, while all authors contribute to the overarching theme, one author stands out for discussing a slightly different topic. Specifically, the author who emphasizes the economic advantages of robust social capital within a community diverges somewhat from the others. While the study as a whole examines various aspects of community development, including economic prosperity, social cohesion, and resilience, this particular author delves deeper into the specific mechanisms through which social capital enhances economic opportunities, such as access to resources, markets, and employment. Therefore, this author's focus on the economic dimension of social capital provides a unique perspective within the broader context of community development discussed by the other authors. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Capital theory, Community Empowerment theory and Structural Functionalism theory may be used to anchor future studies on the concept of social capital and its role in promoting community development and resilience. The study made several recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field. It suggested further exploration of the mechanisms linking social capital to community development outcomes, integration of social capital considerations into policy frameworks, and implementation of community-based interventions. Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of capacity-building efforts, collaborative partnerships among stakeholders, and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. By investing in these recommendations, stakeholders aimed to foster resilient, inclusive, and thriving communities, leveraging social capital as a catalyst for positive social change.